Cheteshwar Pujara scores 17th first class double century

India is having a great run in Test cricket so far and are currently the number 1 ranking Test team and are still one of the dangerous teams to play against. There have been a lot of great batters and bowlers who have been involved in some great Test series that feature the powerful Indian side. The likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli have been great with the bat and Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Mohammad Shami have been the X factor of the pace attack. The contributions of all rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin cannot go unnoticed as well with over 5500 runs and 750+ wickets between them and are one of the best all rounders right now.

The one player that also cannot be left out of India’s success in Test cricket is Cheteshwar Pujara. The 35 yr old batter known for his solid defence and elegant stroke play has been one of the anchors for the Indian side in his Test career. There have been a lot of memorable innings by the batter with great performances overseas and at home. Pujara might not have played the last few Test series but his contribution has been significant to the Indian side where he has scored over 7000 runs in his 103 matches at an average of over 40. His performances in the last two Australia series were one of his most memorable innings where the stylish batter was able to run through one of the best pace attacks in Test cricket and score some big runs.

Pujara 17th double ton in First Class cricket

Pujara has still continued to show why he is one of the best Test cricketers in India right now in the Ranji Trophy this season. In his first match while playing for Saurashtra against Jharkhand, Pujara scored his 17th double century in first class cricket. With this he now has the most double hundreds for an Indian in first class cricket. Pujara’s wonderful 243 runs from 356 deliveries with 30 boundaries was enough to get Saurashtra to a massive total of 578 in the first innings and gave his team a massive lead. Eventually Jharkhand were able to draw the game due to a great century from Kumar Suraj ending the second innings at 306-3. 

This shows that Pujara is still a talented player who is capable of scoring big runs and is one of the best in the longest format of the game. Pujara was also praised for his innings by some former cricketers as well on social media. Mohammad Kaif was one of those former players who posted his praises on X saying “Regardless of what the national selectors think of him, Pujara keeps scoring runs. His commitment should be a lesson for all youngsters playing the game.” This shows why he is regarded as one of the best in the business and the fans will be hoping that he makes the squad vs England as well.