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When it comes to resilience, technique, and fortitude at the crease, few cricketers embody those qualities quite like Cheteshwar Pujara. Born on January 25, 1988, in Rajkot, Gujarat, Pujara has established himself as a reliable top-order batsman for the Indian cricket team. With his defensive approach and ability to grind down attacks, he has become a stalwart in India's Test lineup. Known for his unwavering concentration and bottom-handed grip, Pujara excels in playing spinners and prefers keeping the ball along the ground. His consistency as a run-scorer and his remarkable fitness levels have earned him respect from teammates and opponents alike.
Hailing from a cricketing family, where both his father Arvind Pujara and uncle Bipin Pujara were Ranji Trophy players for Saurashtra, it was only natural for Cheteshwar Pujara to be drawn towards the game. Growing up in Rajkot, Gujarat, he developed a passion for cricket at a young age. However, tragedy struck when his mother Reema Pujara passed away due to cancer when he was just 17 years old.
In December 2005, Pujara made his first-class debut for Saurashtra at the tender age of 17. The journey wasn't always smooth sailing as he faced numerous challenges along the way. Playing for Saurashtra meant operating in a cricketing backwater, far from the spotlight that traditionally falls on players from bigger centres. However, Pujara didn't let that deter him. He worked tirelessly to improve his game and prove himself as a force to be reckoned with.
Pujara's hard work and dedication paid off when he made his Test debut for India in October 2010 against Australia. Stepping onto the international stage, he immediately showcased his batting prowess by scoring an impressive 72 runs in his very first innings. This remarkable performance earned him recognition as the joint-fastest Indian cricketer to reach 1,000 Test runs.
Despite early success, Pujara faced setbacks in his career, including a knee operation that limited opportunities for him in limited-overs cricket. However, he continued to prove his worth in the longest format of the game. His defining moment came during India's historic series win against Australia in 2018-19.
Throughout the series, Pujara displayed immense patience and an unwavering resolve at the crease. Facing a formidable Australian bowling attack, he produced three centuries and faced a staggering 1,258 balls – the highest by any visiting batsman in a four-Test series Down Under. His ability to blunt opposition attacks and bat for long periods played a crucial role in India's triumph.
Pujara's batting prowess is most evident in Test matches where he has truly cemented his place as one of India's premier batsmen. With over 7,000 runs under his belt at an average of 43.60, Pujara has become a pillar of strength for the Indian team.
His ability to build long innings and construct partnerships has been paramount to India's success on numerous occasions. Pujara has scored 19 centuries in Test cricket, including crucial double hundreds against England and Australia. These marathon innings not only showcased his technical brilliance but also demonstrated his ability to adapt to different conditions and oppositions.
While Pujara's primary focus is Test cricket, he has also played a handful of One-Day Internationals (ODIs). Although he hasn't been able to replicate the same level of success in the limited-overs format, his commitment to the team remains unwavering.
Beyond international cricket, Pujara has represented various domestic teams such as Saurashtra, Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Yorkshire. His contributions in domestic cricket have been instrumental in propelling Saurashtra to new heights. In first-class matches, Pujara boasts an impressive record of over 19,000 runs at an average of 51.87.
Cheteshwar Pujara's career has seen him participate in several major tournaments and series, showcasing his skills on the international stage. While he may not have been a regular feature in limited-overs cricket, he has left his mark in Test matches.
In terms of ICC tournaments, Pujara has not featured extensively in World Cups or other major global competitions. His focus has primarily been on Test cricket, where he has excelled. However, it is worth noting that Pujara did play 5 ODI matches for India early on in his career.
Pujara's most notable performances have come in Test cricket, particularly against strong opponents like Australia and England. In the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia in 2018-19, Pujara played a crucial role in India's historic victory. He faced an astounding 1258 balls throughout the four-match series, displaying unmatched patience and resilience at the crease. This feat earned him the record for facing the most number of balls by a visiting batsman in a four-Test series in Australia.
Pujara has also made significant contributions against England, scoring double centuries against them both at home and away. His ability to grind down attacks with his defensive approach has made him an invaluable asset to the Indian team.
While Pujara hasn't had much exposure to IPL or other major league tournaments due to his preference for Test cricket, he has represented various teams over the years including Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kings XI Punjab, and Yorkshire.
Cheteshwar Pujara is a top-order batsman known for his solid technique and defensive approach. He possesses exceptional concentration skills that enable him to bat for long periods without losing focus. With a bottom-handed grip, Pujara excels in playing spinners and prefers to keep the ball along the ground.
Pujara's role in the team is crucial as he often provides stability and solidity to the batting lineup. His ability to blunt the opposition's bowling attack and wear them down has been instrumental in India's success in Test cricket.
While Pujara may not possess flashy stroke play or be considered a power-hitter, his skills lie in his ability to build an innings patiently. He has a solid defensive technique that allows him to weather tough spells from fast bowlers. Pujara is also adept at rotating the strike and accumulating runs steadily.
One of Pujara's strengths is his impeccable judgement of line and length, which allows him to leave deliveries outside off stump with precision. His astute shot selection ensures that he rarely plays reckless shots, making him difficult to dismiss.
However, one area where Pujara can be criticised is his scoring rate. While his defensive approach is valuable in Test cricket, it sometimes comes at the expense of accelerating the scoring rate. Critics argue that he could work on finding a better balance between defence and attack.
Personality and Off-the-Field Persona
Pujara is not known for being vocal or seeking attention from media outlets. He focuses primarily on honing his skills and maintaining peak fitness levels, making him a reliable asset for any team he represents.
Pujara is also a family man, having tied the knot with Puja Pabari in February 2013. Together, they have a daughter named Aditi. Despite his busy schedule as an international cricketer, Pujara ensures that he spends quality time with his family whenever possible.
Despite facing setbacks throughout his career, including injuries and limited opportunities in limited-overs cricket, Cheteshwar Pujara remains a respected figure in Test cricket. His records, performances, and unwavering focus on the traditional format of the game have established him as one of India's leading batsmen.
While he may not have broken any extraordinary records, Pujara's patience, resilience, and consistent run-scoring have made him a vital cog in India's Test team. His ability to bat for long periods has been instrumental in setting up matches and tiring out opposition bowlers. Pujara's impressive performance in India's historic series win in Australia in 2018-19 showcased his value as an anchor at the top of the order.
Though Pujara is not known for his flamboyant strokeplay or quick scoring rates, his presence in the team provides stability and balance. He absorbs pressure with ease, allowing other batsmen to play more freely around him.
Pujara has been recognized for his consistent performances with several Man of the Match awards at both domestic and international levels. He has also been named in the ICC Test Team of the Year on multiple occasions, a testament to his reliability and effectiveness as a top-order batsman.
While Pujara's impact goes beyond statistics and trophies, his records speak for themselves. He holds the record for scoring a hundred and a ninety in the same match, showcasing his ability to convert starts into big scores. Additionally, he is one of the few batsmen to have batted on each day of a five-day Test match.
Cheteshwar Pujara's career has been defined by his defensive approach, technical prowess, and unrivalled dedication. From humble beginnings in Saurashtra, he has risen to become one of India's most reliable batsmen in Test cricket.
Pujara's ability to grind down attacks and bat for long periods sets him apart from many modern-day cricketers. While his playing style may not be flashy or headline-grabbing, it is undeniably effective and instrumental to India's success.
His contributions were pivotal in India's historic series win in Australia in 2018-19, where he faced an astonishing 1258 balls throughout the tour. Pujara showcased immense mental strength and resilience against a formidable Australian bowling attack.
FAQs
What is Cheteshwar Pujara's highest Test score?
Cheteshwar Pujara's highest Test score is 206 against England.
How many double centuries has Pujara scored in Test cricket?
Cheteshwar Pujara has scored three double centuries in Test cricket.
Has Pujara played in the Indian Premier League (IPL)?
Yes, Cheteshwar Pujara has played for various IPL teams including Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Kings XI Punjab.
How many ODIs has Pujara played for India?
Cheteshwar Pujara has played five ODIs for India.
Is Cheteshwar Pujara currently the captain of Sussex County Cricket Club?
No, Cheteshwar Pujara is not currently the captain of Sussex County Cricket Club; however, he plays for them in the County Championship.
