Cheteshwar Pujara, the unyielding rock of Indian batting, has roared back into form with a monumental score. His unbeaten 243 against Jharkhand in the Ranji Trophy is not just a mountain of runs, it’s a statement of intent, a resounding knock on the door of Test team selection.
This wasn’t just any double-century, it was Pujara’s 17th in first-class cricket, placing him alongside legends like Herbert Sutcliffe and Mark Ramprakash. Only the hallowed trinity of Bradman, Hammond, and Hendren stand ahead of him in this elite club. In the Ranji Trophy itself, Pujara’s eight doubles put him second only to the prolific Paras Dogra.
But the numbers alone don’t capture the significance of this knock. It comes after a lean period for Pujara, marked by struggles in county cricket and limited opportunities in India’s recent Test series. Whispers of doubt began to swirl, questioning his place in the Test lineup.
Pujara silenced those whispers with a performance of pure grit and determination. Resuming overnight on 157, he effortlessly sailed past 200, his bat a willow wand weaving a tapestry of patience and precision. His knock was the cornerstone of Saurashtra’s mammoth 578/4, leaving Jharkhand flattened with a 436-run deficit.
The timing of this grand display couldn’t be more perfect. With the five-Test series against England just around the corner, Pujara has sent a powerful message to the selectors. He’s hungry, he’s in form, and he’s ready to reclaim his place at the heart of the Indian batting order.
True, his last Test appearance, the WTC final against Australia, yielded disappointing scores of 14 and 27. But that was a singular blip in an otherwise stellar career. His experience, composure, and ability to build monumental scores are invaluable assets in Test cricket, especially against a formidable bowling attack like England’s.
While Shubman Gill has flourished at No. 3 in Pujara’s absence, the Indian batting lineup craves the solidity and stability that Pujara brings. His partnership with the in-form Rohit Sharma could prove to be the bedrock of India’s batting in the upcoming series.
Pujara still has one more Ranji game before the selectors make their call. He’ll likely take the field against Haryana from January 12th, looking to add another chapter to his ongoing Ranji masterclass.
Whether he gets the Test nod or not, Pujara’s return to form is a welcome sight for Indian cricket fans. This Ranji rampage is a reminder of his immense talent and unwavering dedication. It’s a performance that has silenced critics, bolstered his own confidence, and reignited the embers of his Test career. The stage is set for Pujara to take his place in the sun once again, and England beware, the “Wall of India” is back.