The star Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara is celebrating his 36th birthday today. He has had a glorious career in Test cricket. Pujara is very traditional in terms of his playing style and that is what makes him a special player. In the modern generation, batters look to execute fancy shots but Cheteshwar Pujara believes in making the bowlers work hard.
Perseverance and resilience are his biggest asset as a batter and these traits are hard to find in today’s age. Pujara was a bright prospect and his consistent first-class record as a youngster is the biggest testimony to the talent that he possessed. After a successful period in first-class cricket, Pujara got the opportunity to represent India. He made his Test debut against Australia in 2010 at Bengaluru and never looked back.
Perseverance personified
The gritty right-hander displayed his potential in the early stage of his international career and cemented his place in the Indian Test side. He would play long and tiring innings which established him as a prominent name in the batting order after stalwarts like Dravid and Laxman retired from Test cricket.
Pujara started playing at the No.3 position and it was a big shoe for him to fill as Rahul Dravid used to bat in that position and he needs no introduction. But Pujara embraced the challenge and emerged as a permanent No.3 for India in the longest format. The Saurashtra batter has represented India in 103 Test matches where he has scored 7195 runs at an average of 43.60.
Pujara has also made 19 centuries in his 13-year-long Test career along with 35 half-centuries. He has been a major contributor in away victories for India in Test cricket, especially in Australia. The experienced batter has found himself out of contention for inclusion in the Test squad but he is still trying hard to make a comeback with notable performances in Ranji Trophy. His comeback might be under doubt but his contribution to Indian cricket will always remain indisputable.
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