Cheteshwar Pujara these days is another name for consistency, dedication and reliability. The India number three batsman has emerged out of Virat’s limelight, to time and again save India and put the team into a position of complete strength and authority.
Right from the season opener against New Zealand to the final game of the season at Dharamsala against Australia, Pujara has withstood all opponents and conditions to come on top.
In the recently concluded home season, Pujara got as many as four tons, two of which came against England, and one each against New Zealand and Australia. The one against Australia was a flawless double century in Ranchi, where he defied all odds to carry on his vigil for 525 deliveries.
After 13 long Tests of the Indian home season of 2016/17, Pujara amassed 1316 runs, at an average of 62.66 and ended as India’s leading run getter. In so many ways, his knock of 92 in the second innings in Bengaluru was the turning point of the series, as India found a new lease of life altogether, thanks to the heroics of Pujara.
After the Border Gavaskar Trophy was regained by India in some style, skipper Virat Kohli was beaming with joy. The jubilant skipper posted an image of him and Pujara, surrounded by some serene mountains, and wrote a message praising Pujara.
“Everyone has contributed this season but I am particularly happy and delighted to see the grit and determination of this guy. What a champion. Least mentioned but most effective. Well done puji @cheteshwar_pujara for an outstanding season brother. Wish you many more years of stupendous performances for the team. Keep going,” mentioned Kohli.