Playing the ultimate format of the game i.e. Test, requires immense dedication, skill and determination. And playing 100 Tests underlines hard-work, grit and unwavering determination. Cheteshwar Pujara is going to be the 13th Indian to play 100 Tests when he takes the field in the 2nd Test match against Australia.
Having made his Test debut against the same opponents way back in 2010 before the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara has been a doyen in this format.
Perseverance, patience and dedication have been the hallmarks of Pujara’s batting. He is known to build terrific knocks and take the game away from the opposition.
As Cheteshwar Pujara goes to etch history tomorrow at New Delhi, we take a look at his top 5 brilliant knocks in Tests:
1. 206* against England in 2012
Cheteshwar Pujara wreaked havoc in his 6th Test match as he smashed a fabulous knock of 206* against the Three Lions. The knock was an epitome of class and was one for the ages.
With this knock, Pujara had announced himself to the entire world and made it clear that he was here to dominate. His knock was peppered with 21 fours.
2. 202 against Australia in 2017
India’s 2-1 victory against Australia at home was one of the most special victories under Virat Kohli’s captaincy. And Cheteshwar Pujara was Virat’s gladiator.
In the 3rd Test in this particular series, Pujara slammed a double century and wrote his name in the history books. He went on to bag the player of the match in that series.
3. 193 against Australia in 2019
Scoring a ton Down Under is always a special feeling and Cheteshwar Pujara scored a mind-blowing ton in 2019 in India’s famous Test series victory in 2018-19.
He was just 7 short of another double century but stole the show with his patience, grit and commitment. This special knock took place in the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) and India eventually won the game, courtesy Cheteshwar Pujara.
4. 132* against England in 2018
Batting with unparalleled discipline, Cheteshwar Pujara negated all threats in England and scored a patient knock of 132* against England in 2018. In the 257 deliveries, Pujara scored 16 fours. Notably, this is Pujara’s only century in England till date.
In the coming years, the reliable top-order batter of India would be hoping to score more centuries in the tough conditions of England.
5. 145 against Sri Lanka in 2015
In the 3rd Test match in this series between India and Sri Lanka, Cheteshwar Pujara scored 145 runs and powered India to a solid victory. He incidentally also won the player of the match award for this brilliant knock. Pujara’s knock was laced with 14 fours.
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