Cheteshwar Arvind Pujara, born on January 25, 1988, is not just a name but a symbol of resilience and unwavering commitment in the world of cricket. This Indian cricketer has etched his name in the annals of the sport, displaying a batting style that exudes discipline and patience. Pujara’s journey in cricket has been nothing short of remarkable, and he has been an integral part of the Indian Test team for over a decade.
Pujara made his debut in first-class cricket for Saurashtra in December 2005, setting the stage for what would be a stellar career. His Test debut came in October 2010 in Bangalore, and he quickly made a name for himself in the longer format of the game. As of May 9, 2021, he was ranked as the world No.14 Test batsman according to the ICC Player Rankings, with an impressive tally of 697 points. While his Test prowess is well-known, Pujara also had a brief stint in One Day Internationals, having played 5 ODI matches for India.
One of the pivotal moments in Pujara’s career came during India’s tour of Australia. His exceptional batting played a crucial role in India’s historic Test series win in Australia, marking a significant milestone for Indian cricket.
Known for his sound technique and the ability to play marathon innings, Pujara became a frontrunner for a spot in the Indian middle order after the retirements of stalwarts like Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman. His presence brought stability to the team, and his performances earned him recognition and accolades.
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Pujara has donned the jerseys of various franchises, including the Kolkata Knight Riders and the Royal Challengers Bangalore. He also enjoyed a stint with the Chennai Super Kings, where he was part of the winning squad in IPL 2021.
Pujara’s Test comeback in 2012, against New Zealand, saw him scoring a century, setting the stage for more remarkable innings. He went on to achieve his first double century against England in November 2012, followed by another against Australia in March 2013, with both innings leading India to victory.
His outstanding performances in domestic cricket and first-class matches earned him numerous records and awards. Pujara became one of the fastest batsmen to reach 1000 runs in Test cricket in just 11 matches, and he was awarded the Emerging Cricketer of the Year in 2013.
In February 2017, during a one-off Test match against Bangladesh, Pujara set a new record for the most runs by a batsman in an Indian first-class season, amassing 1,605 runs. His consistency and determination were on full display.
Pujara continued to pile up records, scoring his twelfth double century in first-class cricket in November 2017, surpassing the previous record set by Vijay Merchant. His remarkable achievements led to him being awarded a Grade B contract by the BCCI in March 2022.
Beyond the cricket field, Pujara’s early life was marked by the support and encouragement of his parents, especially his father Arvind Pujara and his mother, Reema Pujara. Tragically, he lost his mother to cancer when he was just 17. Pujara completed his BBA from J.J Kundalia College and continued to work tirelessly on his cricketing skills.
Pujara’s youth career was equally promising, as he made his Under-19 Test debut for India against England in 2005, showcasing his batting prowess and winning accolades as the Man of the Tournament in the 2006 Under-19 Cricket World Cup.
His domestic career was marked by remarkable performances for Saurashtra, including scoring three career first-class triple-centuries. Pujara’s dedication and consistency were rewarded with opportunities in the Indian team.
In recent years, Pujara has continued to excel in international cricket, contributing significantly to India’s Test victories, especially during the memorable series win in Australia. His ability to withstand pressure, solid technique, and determination make him a force to be reckoned with in the world of cricket.
As Pujara continues to make his mark in the cricketing world, his journey stands as a testament to the power of resilience, discipline, and unwavering commitment to one’s craft. His contributions to Indian cricket will be remembered for generations to come, and he remains a true embodiment of the spirit of the game.
Records:
- Pujara’s Remarkable Run: A Year of 2,000+ First-Class Runs in 2013
- In 2013, Cheteshwar Pujara showcased his batting brilliance, amassing a staggering 2,043 runs at an astonishing average of 102.15 in first-class matches. Notably, only Chris Rogers managed to outscore him that year, accumulating 2,391 runs at an average of 48.79 across 28 matches.
- Unforgettable Partnerships: Pujara and Kohli’s Record 222-Run Stand in South Africa
- Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli etched their names in the annals of Indian cricket history with their monumental partnership. Their 222-run alliance in South Africa stands as India’s joint-highest partnership in the country and remains the highest for India in the second innings of a Test match on South African soil.
- Speeding to Glory: Pujara’s Rapid Ascent to 1,000 Test Runs
- Cheteshwar Pujara’s batting prowess was on full display as he became the second-fastest Indian cricketer to reach the milestone of 1,000 Test runs, showcasing his impeccable form and determination.
- South African Sojourn: Pujara’s Record-Breaking Second Innings Score
- Cheteshwar Pujara’s tour of South Africa featured a historic performance when he achieved the highest second-innings score of 153 runs by any Indian batsman in South Africa, leaving a lasting impression on the cricketing world.
- The Marathon Man: Most Balls Faced by an Indian in a Test Innings
- In a testament to his resilience and concentration, Cheteshwar Pujara faced a staggering 525 balls in a Test innings, setting a new record for the most deliveries faced by an Indian batsman in the longest format of the game.
- Pujara’s Ascent: Reaching Career-Best Rank of No. 2 in Test Rankings
- Cheteshwar Pujara’s outstanding double century against Australia in March 2017 propelled him to a career-best ranking of No. 2 among Test batsmen, a testament to his consistent performance and unwavering dedication.
- A Rare Feat: Pujara Among the Few to Bat on All Five Days of a Test
- Cheteshwar Pujara joined the elite ranks of cricketers by becoming the third Indian and ninth player overall to bat on all five days of a Test match, showcasing his extraordinary endurance and adaptability.
- Making History: Pujara’s Century on the First Day of Overseas Tours
- Cheteshwar Pujara’s ability to excel on foreign soil was evident as he became the eleventh Indian cricketer to score a century on the very first day of an overseas tour, a remarkable feat that underlines his adaptability to varying conditions.
- The 6,000-Run Milestone: Pujara Joins Elite Indian Club
- Cheteshwar Pujara added another feather to his cap by becoming the eleventh Indian cricketer to achieve the milestone of 6,000 Test runs, solidifying his status as one of India’s batting stalwarts.
