Cricket News

‘He ain’t coming back into the Indian team’- Fans react as Cheteshwar Pujara smashes double-hundred vs Jharkhand in Ranji Trophy opener

Jan 7, 2024 12:57 pm

Cheteshwar Pujara, India’s stalwart at number 3 for over a decade after Rahul Dravid’s retirement, has faced the highs and lows of cricketing waves. While his unwavering focus and rock-solid technique earned him a high-profile status, sporadic dips in form led to occasional exclusions. With a pool of exciting young talent emerging, Pujara currently finds himself on the outside looking in at the national team.

However, the domestic circuit remains his fortress. In his team’s Ranji Trophy opener against Jharkhand, Pujara has woven a masterclass. Yesterday, he batted with characteristic grit and elegance, and today, he has surpassed a double hundred on Day 2 with 236 runs to his name. His innings, studded with 29 boundaries, have been a masterclass in building partnerships. He formed vital alliances with Harvik Desai and Arpit Vasavada and is now constructing another mammoth stand with Prerak Mankad.

The long time Test number 3 has already crossed 200 and could be looking for a triple century.

Pujara’s Ranji dominance is not merely a collection of runs; it’s a powerful declaration of his unwavering spirit. While his Test future remains a subject of speculation, his dedication to domestic excellence speaks volumes about his unwavering commitment to the game. He isn’t sulking on the sidelines; he’s letting his bat roar, reminding everyone of the class that resides within him. Pujara’s journey may have hit a temporary roadblock, but his Ranji exploits are a compelling narrative of resilience and unwavering passion. With every run he accumulates, the embers of his Test dream burn brighter. He might be out of the national team for now, but as his willow weaves magic in the domestic arena, one can’t help but wonder if a Pujara renaissance is on the horizon.

Huge win on the cards for Saurashtra

Thanks to Pujara’s massive score and healthy contributions from the others, Saurashtra have already piled up 566 runs in response to Jharkhand’s poor first-innings score of 142. An innings defeat is on the cards for Jharkhand who have been exposed on both fronts. Saurashtra on the other hand will be determined to get an outright win rather than take points based on the first innings.