Cheteshwar Pujara — India's Backbone of Test Cricket

The Rock of India's Test Batting

Cheteshwar Pujara is one of Test cricket's most dedicated run-scorers. Batting at number three for India for over a decade, he became the embodiment of patient, determined Test batting — a sharp contrast to India's more flamboyant limited-overs stars. His skill lay in occupying the crease, building marathon innings, and exhausting bowling attacks.

Australia 2020-21 — Pujara's Finest Hour

Pujara's finest series came in Australia in 2020-21 when India famously won the series 2-1 despite being bowled out for 36 in the first Test. Pujara was hit by bouncers repeatedly, took blows to the body, and ground out crucial innings across four Tests. His 211 runs across the series, though low in comparison to his averages, won matches for India through their sheer bloody-mindedness.

Triple Centuries and Milestones

In domestic cricket, Pujara has made several triple centuries for Saurashtra, demonstrating the same patient accumulation he brings to Test cricket. He is one of Indian domestic cricket's most prolific run-scorers and has carried that form into Test cricket with scores of 204 against Australia and multiple other major hundreds.

County Cricket and Comeback

After a difficult spell where his place came under pressure, Pujara reinvented himself with prolific performances for Sussex in county cricket, including a season where he scored over 1,000 runs. This commitment to form and fitness helped him reclaim his Test spot, demonstrating his remarkable dedication to the game.