In Praise of Cheteshwar Pujara: A Look Back at His Greatest Knocks of Grit and Glory

Cheteshwar Pujara is not the conventional batsman creating headlines and making the news with 6’s or quick-scoring innings. He is more of a craftsman making masterpieces quietly in the back, and for more than 10 years, he has been India’s No. 3, frequently bailing India out of disastrous situations, whether it is because of his bravery, patience, or impeccable technique. Let’s take a scroll back through some of the most iconic Test innings of the great man that secure him, in my view, as a modern-day legend.

First Innings Heroics: 72 Against Australia, Bengaluru 2010

Most players are hoping for a fairytale debut, but Pujara’s story had a different twist. The young 22-year-old was dismissed for 3 balls in the first innings of the Test but found himself walking out to bat in the second innings at number 3, ahead of legendary Rahul Dravid. Pujara was unbothered by the prospect of facing Mitchell Johnson’s pace and Nathan Hauritz’s spin, and calmly scored 72 runs off 89 balls. India required 207 runs, and Pujara fell short by 61 runs, but this innings instantly made his name available on the big stage as a quality middle-order anchor. This match was a debut that coupled terrific talent with the gutsy resolve of a seasoned campaigner.

Battling Spicy Pitches: 153 vs South Africa, Johannesburg, 2013 & 202 vs Australia, Ranchi, 2017

Pujara has been a player in any situation that is difficult. Pujara faced the South African seamers – Steyn, Morkel, Philander – in the 2013 Johannesburg Test. He came in at 23 for 1 in a pitch with a lot of assistance for South Africa’s fast bowlers. After stitching together 222 runs with Kohli, Pujara capitalized on the momentum. His reward was a determined knock of 153, achieved in 270 balls.

In 2017 at Ranchi, Pujara’s marathon 202-run knock off 525 balls became the longest Test innings by an Indian in terms of balls faced. These innings are not just runs for Pujara – these are cases of being brave and the health of patience in Test cricket.

The Modern-Day Hero: Adelaide, Sydney, and Brisbane, 2018–21

The ability of Pujara to stay in the fight reached a legendary status on India’s tour of Australia. Facing a precarious 41 for 4 in Adelaide, 2018, Pujara arrived at the crease with poise. He responded brilliantly with 123 runs, followed by a determined 71, holding India’s innings together.

In the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21, Pujara soaked up unimaginable body blows from the fast bowlers and scored a gutsy 77 in Sydney to help India save the Test match. Pujara scored 56 in Brisbane when India won the series with a test win. Pujara didn’t score any flashy runs, but the runs he scored and didn’t score with his grit are invaluable.

Pujara’s story is an example of patience, resolve, and skill. Twenty-five years after his promising debut in Bengaluru, Pujara has had memorable knocks in Johannesburg, Ranchi, and away matches in Australia.

FAQs

Why is Cheteshwar Pujara considered a modern-day Test legend?

Because of his grit, patience, and match-saving knocks in tough conditions.

What was special about Pujara’s debut innings against Australia in 2010?

Facing 89 balls in the reply innings, he compiled a fearless 72. Surprisingly, he took the crease before the legendary Dravid.

Which innings highlight Pujara’s ability to handle difficult pitches?

He registered a brilliant 153 on South African soil in 2013, then went on to smash 202 against Australia in 2017.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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