Cheteshwar Pujara's Legacy: A Tireless Workhorse of Indian Cricket

Cheteshwar Pujara made his international debut in 2010 against Australia, earmarked to take up the No.3 mantle from Rahul Dravid. He slowly grew into the role, becoming a shadow of Dravid, frustrating opponents just like his predecessor. Pujara's international career spanned 103 Tests, with 7195 runs at an average of 43.60. He played a crucial role in India's first series win in Australia in 2018-19 and was a vital cog in Virat Kohli's Test team, which dominated the world from 2016-2020. Pujara's contributions were marked by his ability to take body blows, consistently shielding the middle order from the swinging ball. His love for domestic cricket was evident in his consistent performances for Saurashtra, where he rose quickly through the ranks, displaying remarkable consistency and temperament.

Key Takeaways:

• Pujara's maiden ton came in 2012 against New Zealand at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, where he scored 159.
• His last century in Indian whites came in 2022 against Bangladesh in Chattogram, marking the end of an illustrious career.
• Pujara played 5 ODIs but soon prioritized Tests, becoming a vital cog in Virat Kohli's Test team, which ruled the world from 2016-2020.
• His contributions were instrumental in India's first series win in Australia in 2018-19, with 19 Test tons and 35 half-centuries to his name.
• Pujara's highest score was 206 not out, and he held his ground on overseas tours, repeatedly absorbing pressure and shielding the middle order.
• He faced over 200 balls on multiple occasions, taking several blows on the body, as he famously did in the Brisbane Test in 2020-21.
• His name will forever be etched in India's rich history for displaying resilience, courage, and determination.
• Pujara stands as a lesson on why Test cricket is the purest form of the game, deserving every ounce of respect.

Statistics:

• Pujara's international career spanned 103 Tests, with 7195 runs at an average of 43.60.
• His highest score was 206 not out, which included 19 Test tons and 35 half-centuries.
• He played 5 ODIs but soon prioritized Tests, becoming a vital cog in Virat Kohli's Test team, which ruled the world from 2016-2020.
• Pujara's domestic record included 278 first-class matches, scoring 21,301 runs at an average of 51.82.
• He smashed 66 hundreds and 81 fifties in first-class cricket, with a top score of 206 not out.
• Pujara's performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2018-19 saw him face over 1200 deliveries in the four-match series, scoring three centuries.
• He was hit 11 times on his body on Day 5 of the final Test at the Gabba in 2020-21, eventually scoring 56 runs off 211 deliveries.

Sources:

• Hindustan Times