India’s veteran Test batter, Cheteshwar Pujara became only the fourth Indian cricket to breach the 20,000-run mark in first-class cricket on Sunday. Pujara achieved the milestone during Saurashtra’s recent game against Vidarbha in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2023-24.
He now joins the elite list, featuring legendary names like Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, and Rahul Dravid. Before the start of the game, Cheteshwar Pujara needed 96 runs to complete the 20,000-run mark in first-class cricket.
He enjoyed a great outing with the bat and helped the team register a massive 238-run win over Vidarbha. In the first innings, Pujara played a handy knock of 43 runs and it was followed with a 66-run knock in the second innings of the Test match.
He has showcased a pretty good form in the ongoing Ranji Trophy series. Pujara began the campaign with a blistering knock of 243 runs against Jharkhand and followed it up with impressive knocks of 49 and 43 against Haryana in the second match.
Cheteshwar Pujara Test Career
Cheteshwar Pujara has represented India in 103 Test matches, managing 7195 runs at a stellar average of 44.36. Overall, he now has 20,013 runs in first-class cricket at an outstanding average of 51.94.
At number three is Rahul Dravid with 23,794 runs to his name at 55.33. Sunil Gavaskar is at the top of the list, having scored 25,834 runs in first-class cricket at an average of 51.46. Sachin Tendulkar makes his presence felt at number two on the table, accumulating 25,396 runs at 57.84.
Cheteshwar Pujara is no longer in India’s Test team but has constantly drawn attention with his performances in first-class cricket. Pujara was dropped from the Test side following the World Test Championship final loss against Australia last year.
Pujara Left Out of South Africa Tour
He wasn’t part of the side for the recent South Africa tour and missed out on a place in the upcoming five-match Test series against England as well. Pujara, however, has continued to grind on domestic level in a bid to make his Test comeback.
However, chances are less likely that him being on the wrong side of his 30s. Shubman Gill has taken over his position at number three in the Test playing XI but didn’t fare too well on the South African tour. A lot of eyes will be on him in the upcoming five-match Test series against England.
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