New Delhi: For over a decade, Cheteshwar Pujara was India’s immovable rock at No. 3, often tasked with absorbing pressure and grinding down the toughest bowling attacks. Since making his debut in 2010, Pujara has played several defining innings that not only saved India from collapse but also scripted some of their most memorable overseas victories. Here’s a look back at his best knocks in Test cricket.
72 vs Australia, Bengaluru, 2010
On his debut, Pujara lasted only three balls in the first innings. But promoted ahead of Rahul Dravid in the second, the 22-year-old struck a fluent 72 off 89 balls as India chased 207. Displaying confidence against pace and using his feet well against Nathan Hauritz, Pujara’s innings set up a comfortable win and hinted at the player he would become.
153 vs South Africa, Johannesburg, 2013
Against Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander on a testing Wanderers pitch, Pujara crafted a brilliant 153 off 270 deliveries. Coming in at 23 for 1, he first steadied the innings with Murali Vijay and then built a massive stand with Virat Kohli. His knock ensured India set South Africa a stiff 458-run target. The match ended in a draw, but Pujara’s effort was a classic exhibition of technique and temperament.
202 vs Australia, Ranchi, 2017
On a difficult surface, Pujara’s resilience reached new heights as he batted for over 11 hours, scoring 202 off 525 balls. It remains the only instance of an Indian batter facing more than 500 deliveries in an innings (where data is available). His double century helped India post 603 and draw the Test, cementing his reputation as one of the game’s great grinders.
123 & 71 vs Australia, Adelaide, 2018
In the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India were reeling at 41 for 4 when Pujara took charge. His 123 off 246 balls not only steadied the innings but also gave India a fighting total. He followed it with a crucial 71 in the second innings, setting Australia 323 to win. India went on to seal a famous 31-run victory, their first Test win in Australia in a decade.
50 & 77 vs Australia, Sydney, 2021
In the drawn Sydney Test, Pujara’s sheer resilience kept India alive. He scored a dogged 50 in the first innings, but his 77 off 205 balls in the second was even more vital, taking countless blows on the body to wear down Australia’s attack. His defiance gave Vihari and Ashwin the platform to save the Test in one of India’s most courageous rearguard efforts.
56 vs Australia, Brisbane, 2021
A few days later at the Gabba, Pujara was at his gritty best again. His 56 off 211 balls in the second innings was filled with body blows and bruises, yet it laid the foundation for India’s stunning chase of 328 — a win that sealed the series 2-1 and ended Australia’s 32-year unbeaten streak at the venue.
Pujara’s Legacy
Whether it was blunting the new ball in Johannesburg, holding fort in Adelaide, or standing tall under fire in Brisbane, Pujara embodied India’s fighting spirit. His greatest knocks were not just about runs scored, but about character, resilience, and the belief they gave his teammates.
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