India’s star cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara is widely acknowledged as one of India’s premier Test batsmen, seamlessly succeeding the original ‘Wall’ Rahul Dravid at the crucial No. 3 position. Notably, Cheteshwar Pujara’s unwavering resilience and determination have compelled some of the world’s most formidable bowling attacks to falter.
Meanwhile, the top-order batter’s pivotal contributions played a significant role in India’s consecutive Test series victories in Australia. The Saurashtra-born cricketer has navigated through various peaks and valleys in his cricketing journey, overcoming challenges related to form and injuries.
However, his consistent ability to bounce back stronger stands as a testament to his unwavering attitude, mental resilience, and profound commitment to the sport.
In the same vein, check out the list of the top 5 best knocks in Test cricket history:
123 vs Australia in Adelaide (December 2018)
Cheteshwar Pujara (Source – Twitter)
This was one of Cheteshwar Pujara’s finest innings in Test cricket, and he scored it in the first Test of the 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Notably, he batted for 246 balls and hit seven fours and two sixes, showing great patience, concentration, and technique against a quality bowling attack.
However, he came in to bat at the end of the second over and watched all his batting team-mates perish to anxious attacking shots, but refused to give in. Moreover, the star batter kept his mind in control, waiting for some support at the other end, which arrived in the form of
R Ashwin at 127 for 6.
145 not out against Sri Lanka in Colombo (August 2015)
Cheteshwar Pujara (Source – Twitter)
This was Cheteshwar Pujara’s first century as an opener in Test cricket, and he scored it in the third and deciding Test of the 2015 series against Sri Lanka. Notably, he batted for 289 balls and hit 14 fours, carrying his bat through the innings and scoring more than half of India’s total of 312. India won the match by 117 runs and Cheteshwar Pujara was named the player of the match.
Moreover, this innings was widely praised by the cricket fraternity, as Cheteshwar Pujara proved his worth as a Test specialist and a reliable batsman in tough conditions. The top-order batter went on to score more centuries in the next few years and cemented his place as India’s number three in Test cricket.
153 vs South Africa in Johannesburg (December 2013)
Cheteshwar Pujara (Source – Twitter)
This was one of Cheteshwar Pujara’s finest innings in Test cricket, and he scored it in the first Test of the 2013 series against South Africa. Notably, he batted for 341 balls and hit 30 fours and one six, dominating the South African bowlers and setting up a big first-innings lead of 36 runs for India. He shared a record-breaking partnership of 222 runs with
Virat Kohli, who also scored a century.
India declared their second innings at 421, setting South Africa a target of 458 The match ended in a thrilling draw, as South Africa fell short of the target by eight runs, with three wickets in hand. Cheteshwar Pujara was named the player of the match for his brilliant knock, which was also his highest score outside Asia.
204 vs Australia in Hyderabad (March 2013)
Cheteshwar Pujara (Source – Twitter)
This was Cheteshwar Pujara’s third century in Test cricket, and he scored it in the second Test of the 2013 series against Australia. Notably, the star batter batted for 341 balls and hit 30 fours and one six, dominating the Australian bowlers and setting up a huge first-innings lead of 266 runs for India.
Moreover, he shared a record-breaking partnership of 370 runs with Murali Vijay, who also scored a century. India won the match by an innings and 135 runs and Pujara was named the player of the match.
