The 5 Finest Check Innings of Cheteshwar Pujara

When Rahul Dravid retired in 2011, there was a query in everybody’s thoughts about who might substitute ‘The Wall’ in Check cricket. Cheteshwar Pujara had simply arrived on the Worldwide enviornment. The Saurashtra batsman had showcased his expertise however wasn’t thought-about a long-term possibility within the longer format. Slowly the 35-year-old labored onerous on his method and started scoring runs not solely in home cricket but additionally in Worldwide cricket.

The fitting-hander has since been the rock of the Indian center order in Check cricket. Though he had his challenges with accidents and poor type, Pujara labored onerous to get his act collectively and saved on scoring runs. Whether or not it was performing in overcast circumstances like in England or on wickets of Australia and South Africa the place there may be further bounce, Pujara has performed some magnificent innings, even successful Check matches single-handedly. Not too long ago, the Indian batsman grew to become the thirteenth Indian cricketer to play 100 Exams.

One of many largest options of his batting is his capacity to regulate his shot choice and protection relying on the character of the wicket. This piece seems on the 5 finest Innings of the right-hander, which seemed a category aside.

#5 153 vs South Africa (Johannesburg, December 2013)

India managed to realize a lead of 36 runs within the first innings. Within the second innings, India scored 421 runs due to a superb 153 off 270 balls from Cheteshwar Pujara. South African pacers bowled a good line, however Pujara showcased good method and performed pleasant strokes on either side of the wicket.

The fitting-hander’s placement seemed spot on, and Virat Kohli ably supported him from the opposite finish. The match was drawn due to Pujara’s high-quality innings.

#4 202 vs Australia (Ranchi, March 2017)

The sequence was tied at 1-1 as each groups competed nicely. Within the first innings, Australia scored 451, with Steve Smith scoring 178 and Glenn Maxwell scoring 104. India scored 603 due to a superb 202 in 525 balls from Pujara.

The fitting-hander performed spin nicely and made some great drives on a wicket that originally aided pacers. The Saurashtra born scored runs on the leg facet with basic wrist work. The match resulted in a draw. Pujara batted with super endurance. The fitting-hander was examined by brief deliveries by the Australian pacers, however Pujara showcased dogged willpower.

Bonus Learn: Most 200s for India in Check Cricket

#3 132 vs England (Southampton, August 2018)

#OnThisDay three years in the past, Cheteshwar Pujara remained unbeaten on 132 as India had been bowled out by England for 273 in Southampton.

The subsequent-highest rating by an India batsman was 46 by Virat Kohli. pic.twitter.com/SVIIBUR5ah

— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) August 31, 2021

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England was bowled out for 246 within the first innings of the 4th Check. When Pujara got here out to bat within the first innings, circumstances had been troublesome for batting, however the right-hander negotiated swing nicely towards James Anderson, Stuart Broad, and Ben Stokes.

Though India misplaced the match by 60 runs, Pujara’s inning was like a silver lining in robust batting circumstances. The 35-year-old performed the ball late because the wicket aided bounce and punched the ball within the gaps moderately than hitting within the air. He scored 132 in 257 balls, comprising 16 fours.

Bonus Learn: High 10: Most Runs for India in Check Cricket

#2 123 vs Australia (Adelaide, December 2018)

Pujara has all the time showcased a rock-solid temperament throughout stress conditions, and this specific inning was no totally different. The fitting-hander was a troublesome character, and enjoying with such psychological toughness in Australian circumstances reveals the category of this match-winner.

At one stage, India was 19/3, however Pujara stood like a rock at one finish and stabilised the Indian inning with calmness and endurance. The ball was coming rapidly onto the bat, so Pujara tried to play grounded photographs and performed the ball as straight as attainable. He used the uppercut when the Aussie bowlers bowled brief outdoors the off stump.

Bonus Learn: 10 Highest Total Run-scorers towards Australia in Exams

#1 206 vs England (Ahmedabad, November 2012)

This specific innings, which is Pujara’s highest ever Check rating, highlighted Pujara’s temperament to remain on the crease longer. The fitting-hander performed some elegant-looking drives and easy front-foot punches.

Pujara showcased high-quality footwork towards spinners Graeme Swann and Samit Patel. The wicket aided the spinners initially, however Pujara performed the ball late by adjusting his footwork. He scored 206 in 389 balls, together with 21 fours. India received the match by 9 wickets.

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