Cheteshwar Pujara continues to wreak havoc with the bat in the ongoing Ranji Trophy century to bang Indian selectors' door ahead of Team India's squad announcement for the third Test against England. Just before this, the batting maestro, Pujara, who was once considered a stalwart of India's Test team, has yet again turned heads by scoring an impressive century in the Ranji Trophy match between Saurashtra and Rajasthan on February 9. Pujara hasn't played a single match for Team India since World Test Championship (WTC Final 2023) against Australia last year. Since then, Pujara has been striving to make a comeback into the Test team but has not yet been given an opportunity despite his back-to-back blitzes with the bat.
Pujara belts 62nd First-Class century
Saurashtra's team came out to bat first against Rajasthan at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. However, Saurashtra's didn't get off to best of the start as they lost two wickets at the score of 33. Then, Pujara took charge at number four and stabilised the Saurashtra's innings, partnering with Sheldon Jackson. Pujara played a sedate knock, scoring his 62nd century in First-Class cricket off 199 balls, riding on eight boundaries. Earlier this season, Pujara had also played an unbeaten knock of 243 runs against Jharkhand in the Ranji Trophy.
Pujara's consistent performances in domestic cricket are drawing the attention of selectors towards his inclusion in the Indian Test team. However, it remains to be seen whether the 36-year-old Pujara can make a comeback to the Test team or his wait will only get extended. Notably, Pujara has scored 7195 runs in 103 Test matches for India so far, including 19 international Test centuries.
Saurashtra in good stead
Talking about the match, Saurashtra were in a commanding position having posted 224 runs for the loss of three wickets as of writing this news, with Pujara reaching his 62nd First-Class century and Sheldon Jackson contributing with an unbeaten innings of 70 runs off 150 balls. Now, Saurashtra's team will aim to post a big total and put pressure on Rajasthan right from the first day of the match. Meanwhile, Rajasthan will be eager to dismiss Pujara early and make a comeback in the game as soon as possible.
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