Introduction
Cheteshwar Pujara is one of India’s most dependable Test batsmen and a true embodiment of classical cricket. Known for his resilience, rock-solid defense, and ability to anchor innings for hours, Pujara has played a crucial role in shaping many of India’s greatest overseas Test victories. Often hailed as the modern-day Wall of Indian cricket, his contributions in red-ball cricket have earned him immense respect across the cricketing world.
Early Life and Domestic Rise
Born on January 25, 1988, in Rajkot, Gujarat, Pujara was introduced to cricket by his father, Arvind Pujara, a former Ranji player. From a young age, he displayed extraordinary patience and temperament—qualities that would later become the hallmarks of his game. He made his first-class debut for Saurashtra in 2005 and rapidly climbed the domestic ranks by consistently piling up centuries.
His incredible triple century in the Under-19 cricket World Cup (2006) brought him into the limelight. He went on to dominate the Ranji Trophy, emerging as one of the most reliable run-scorers in Indian domestic cricket.
International Career and Test Success
Cheteshwar Pujara made his Test debut for India in 2010 against Australia at Bangalore, and immediately impressed with a composed half-century in a run chase. Since then, he has become a mainstay in the Indian Test side, especially after the retirement of Rahul Dravid.
Pujara’s batting is characterized by concentration, discipline, and technical finesse. His performances in overseas conditions, including series wins in Australia (2018–19 and 2020–21), cemented his place as India’s batting backbone in Tests.
Cheteshwar Pujara – Career Summary
Category Details
Full Name Cheteshwar Arvind Pujara
Date of Birth January 25, 1988
Birthplace Rajkot, Gujarat, India
Batting Style Right-handed
Role Top-order Test Batsman
Domestic Team Saurashtra
IPL Teams Kolkata Knight Riders (early years)
International Debut 2010 (Test), 2013 (ODI)
Career Stats Overview
Format Matches Runs Average 100s/50s Highest Score
Test 103+ 7,200+ 43+ 19/35+ 206*
ODI 5 51 10.2 0/0 27
First-Class 150+ 13,000+ 51+ 40+ 352
Memorable Test Performances
123 & 71 vs Australia (Adelaide, 2018) – Set the tone for India’s first-ever Test series win in Australia.
132 vs England (Rajkot, 2016)* – Displayed remarkable control in India’s home season.
202 vs Australia (Hyderabad, 2013) – Batted for nearly two days, showing unmatched endurance.
153 vs South Africa (Johannesburg, 2013) – A marathon innings on a fast and bouncy pitch.
56 off 211 balls at Gabba (2021)* – A gritty, bruised knock that helped India win the series in Brisbane.
Playing Style and Strengths
Exceptional patience and ability to wear down bowlers
Compact technique against both pace and spin
Known for occupying the crease and building long innings
Mentally tough and resilient, particularly in challenging overseas conditions
Rare classical Test player in the modern era
Overseas Heroics
Pujara has built his legacy on Indian cricket’s overseas triumphs. His performances in Australia, England, and South Africa have been pivotal in India’s success abroad. In the 2018–19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he was named Player of the Series after scoring 521 runs in four Tests, facing more than 1,200 balls—a modern-day Test match feat.
IPL and White-Ball Career
While Cheteshwar Pujara has had a limited role in white-ball formats, including the IPL, his contribution in the longer format remains unparalleled. He has represented teams like Kolkata Knight Riders, Kings XI Punjab, and Chennai Super Kings, mostly as a backup player.
Off the Field
Pujara is known for his quiet demeanor, humility, and dedication to the sport. He is an avid reader and a strong advocate for preserving the classical aspects of Test cricket. His focus on technique and discipline makes him a role model for aspiring cricketers who wish to succeed in red-ball formats.
Future Outlook
Though India’s Test squad is evolving with younger players, Cheteshwar Pujara remains a dependable option, especially for tough overseas tours. His experience and ability to grind out sessions are invaluable in high-pressure games.
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