Indian batsmen dominated the second day’s play of the second Test at Nagpur as the Sri Lankan bowlers struggled to take wickets. The overnight pair of Cheteshwar Pujara and the comeback man Murali Vijay were slow and steady to start off in the morning session, but once got their feet moving they cashed in all the loose deliveries.
The opener from Tamil Nadu, Murali Vijay, who made a comeback to the Indian team after eight months, used his opportunity to perfection as he played some delightful shots to bring up his 10th Test century. He along with the ever-dependable Pujara played a 209 runs partnership to provide India with a solid start upon which the batsmen to follow can bank on and post a mammoth total. However, Vijay got out unfortunately as he top-edged one to the left of short fine-leg off Rangana Herath while playing a sweep shot, where Dilruwan Perera easily grabbed it.
On the other hand, Pujara once again proved his consistency as he brought up another hundred to follow it up with last match’s 57. Virat Kohli also looked comfortable in front spinner as he brought his fifty in just 66 balls. India finished the day at 312 runs for the loss of only two wickets with Kohli and Pujara unbeaten at 54 and 121 respectively.
Here is how the Twitterati reacted after India’s brilliance on Day 2:
Vijay gets a 100, so selection headaches for India. One more Test to go against the same opposition so even more selection headaches to come.#INDvsSL
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) November 25, 2017
Kohli's energy, and that easily scored 50, has propelled India to the target the team would have had in mind. Lead of 100 by close.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 25, 2017
Cheteshwar ‘Dependable’ Pujara. Appetite for runs is insatiable. Half an hour away from batting on all 8 days of this series. #IndvSL
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) November 25, 2017
One Of The Finest Inning By One Of The Finest Batsman. So Cool & Calm. Congrats On 14th Test Century, Cheteshwar Pujara. Let's Aim For A Double Ton Now. ????#INDvSL #INDvsSL #CheteshwarPujara pic.twitter.com/fj1npRK3T6
— Sir Jadeja fan (@SirJadeja) November 25, 2017
https://twitter.com/KrithikaChauhan/status/934369155616296960
After Vijay, Now Its Century For #Pujara ?
It Was His
– 14th Test Century
– 10th Century at Home
– 13th Century In Asia
– 4th Century vs Srilanka
– 4th Century In 2017
– 3rd Century vs SL In 2017— ?????? (@Shebas_10dulkar) November 25, 2017
After Rahul Dravid, Team India got another Mr. भरोसेमंद Cheteshwar Pujara. Congrats @cheteshwar1 for 14th Test Ton. Brilliant innings..
— Rajeev Rai (@Rajeev_Bharat) November 25, 2017
#INDvsSL
The Way Cheteshwar Pujara stays on the ground is the same as problems of my life
They never want to go out
??????
Congratulations on your 14th Test Hundred— Asjadullah Khan?? (@memeaatmak) November 25, 2017
14th Test century fir @cheteshwar1. He has been India's backbone for past two years now. What a fantastic batsman he is? Truly one among better number three in the world in Tests. #INDvSL
— ?????? ????? (@GautamSodhi1) November 25, 2017
Congratulations to Cheteshwar Pujara on his 14th Test ?- Crucial man in the top order..India’s rock #INDvSL
— Hemant (@hemantbuch) November 25, 2017
He has become a synonym for technique, patience & consistency.. The modern wall of Indian test cricket @cheteshwar1 #dependable Pujara gets to his 14th test century..#INDvSL#Pujara100#CheteshwarDependablePujara
— Nikhil Anand (@NikhilAnand95) November 25, 2017
https://twitter.com/deesaint083/status/934371144202838016
Another centurion of the match now its turn to our new dependable @cheteshwar1.. Congratulations on your clean "14th Test" century.. Class
— Vishuddh Indian ?? (@Amzadhussain142) November 25, 2017
National anthem might be stuck in Cheteshwar Pujara's mind. That's why he can stand for so long. His earworm is Jana Gana Mana.
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) November 25, 2017
A fan spotted speaking to Cheteshwar Pujara #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/QTqIZwIjlS
— Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) November 25, 2017
https://twitter.com/graphicalcomic/status/934375126505725952
Hundreds today :
1. Murali Vijay
2. Cheteshwar Pujara
3. Dilruwan Perera #NerolacCricketLive #INDvSL @StarSportsIndia— Bala Harish (@balaharish25) November 25, 2017
Another Test 100 for Cheteshwar Pujara. He is a perfect example of an IT employee , who always gives his best even though he never gets any Increment or Promotion. A Perfect #TeamMan #INDvsSL #2ndTest
— Alhad Nene (@Alhad_Nene) November 25, 2017
https://twitter.com/SamreenRazzaqui/status/934378740225679360
* Calls *
Pujara: Uncle, main aapke ghar aa rha hun.
His relative: Mat aana!
Pujara: Kyun?His relative: Tum 3-4 din tak toh wapas jaane ka naam nahi loge?
— sunil the cricketer (@1sInto2s) November 25, 2017
One of those rare days when you get to watch all three of them bat in a Test – Virat Kohli, Steve Smith & Joe Root. #Ashes #INDvSL
— Chinmay Jawalekar (@CricfreakTweets) November 25, 2017
Pujara is all set to bat on the 8th consecutive days of test cricket !! #Pujara #INDvSL
— Abhishek Lenka (@AbhiLenka11) November 25, 2017
A great day for Team India Ends Here! Spectacular Hundred By Vijay & Pujara* And Fifty By Captain Virat Kohli ?
India Lead By 107 Runs #IndvSL— Saiyaara ✨ (@BeingKushSharma) November 25, 2017