Cheteshwar Pujara, one of the most steadfast and disciplined batsmen in modern cricket, has added yet another remarkable achievement to his illustrious career with his 66th first-class century. This milestone, accomplished on October 21, 2024, during the second round of the Ranji Trophy against Chhattisgarh, reflects Pujara’s unwavering commitment and extraordinary expertise in the red-ball format. By scoring this century, Pujara surpassed the legendary Brian Lara in the list of most first-class hundreds.
Alongside this feat, the Indian batter, currently out of the Test team, also crossed the 21,000-run mark in first-class cricket during the match. Born on January 25, 1988, in Rajkot, Gujarat, Pujara was destined for a cricketing journey, growing up in a family deeply rooted in the sport. His father, Arvind Pujara, and uncle, Bipin Pujara, both played Ranji Trophy cricket for Saurashtra, laying the foundation for Cheteshwar’s future in the game.
Cheteshwar Pujara made his first-class debut for Saurashtra in December 2005, and since then, he has been a vital figure in the team’s success. Pujara’s domestic career is filled with milestones, and he has consistently been a leading run-scorer for Saurashtra. In the 2017-18 Ranji Trophy season, he scored 437 runs in just four matches, showcasing his ability to anchor innings and pile up big scores.
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In 2019-20, Pujara reached his 50th first-class century, a testament to his longevity and consistency in domestic cricket. On the international stage, Pujara made his Test debut for India in October 2010 against Australia. Known for his patient and methodical batting, Pujara has become an essential part of the Indian Test team. His approach is often seen as a throwback to traditional Test cricket, where resilience and endurance are paramount.
Cheteshwar Pujara eclipses Brian Lara’s first class record, continues to plunder runs in red-ball cricket#CheteshwarPujara https://t.co/d7flMSJEen
— CrickIt (@CrickitbyHT) October 21, 2024
In over 100 Test matches, Pujara has amassed 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries. His contributions were particularly crucial in India’s historic 2018-19 series win in Australia, where he played marathon innings, including a third double-century that cemented his place as a cornerstone of India’s middle order.
Beyond his international career, Pujara has also made a substantial impact in county cricket, especially for Sussex. His adaptability in different conditions was on full display in the 2022 season when he scored his fifth century, guiding Sussex to success. His ability to play long innings, demonstrated when he and Tom Haines both scored double centuries while following on, highlighted his tenacity and batting technique.
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Pujara’s traditional style of batting, in an era that often prioritizes aggression, has made him a role model for young cricketers. Praised by former Australian coach Justin Langer for his concentration and technique, Pujara continues to embody the values of classic Test cricket, proving that patience and endurance remain vital traits in the modern game.
