Cheteshwar Pujara, one of the most stalwart and disciplined batsmen in contemporary cricket, has once again etched his name in the annals of the sport with his 66th first-class century. This milestone, achieved on October 21, 2024, during round 2 of Ranji Trophy against Chhattisgarh, underscores Pujara’s relentless dedication and unparalleled skill in the red ball format.
With the century, Pujara overtook legendary Brian Lara in the list of most First-Class hundreds. The India batter, who is currently out of the Test team, also completed 21,000 runs while batting in the Round 2 of the Ranji Trophy match.
Pujara’s international career began with his Test debut against Australia in Bangalore in October 2010. Since then, he has become an integral part of the Indian Test team, known for his patient and disciplined batting style. This approach, often described as a throwback to earlier eras of cricket, has allowed Pujara to thrive in the longest format of the game.
With over 100 Test matches under his belt, Pujara has accumulated 7195 runs at an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries. His contributions have been pivotal in several key series, most notably India’s historic Test series win in Australia during the 2018-19 tour. Pujara’s third double-century in the third Test at Ranchi, which included a marathon 199-run partnership with Wriddhiman Saha, was a highlight of that series and earned him the Man of the Match award.
In addition to his domestic and international success, Pujara has also made a significant impact in county cricket. Playing for Sussex in the County Championship, he has demonstrated his adaptability and skill in different conditions. In April 2022, Pujara and Tom Haines became the first batters to score double centuries in the same innings of a first-class match while following-on, a rare feat that showcases his endurance and batting prowess.
Pujara’s performance in county cricket has not gone unnoticed. He scored his fifth century of the 2022 county season as Sussex captain against Middlesex, further solidifying his reputation as a reliable and prolific run-scorer.
