Top 5 Test Innings Of Cheteshwar Pujara's Career

Cheteshwar Pujara, the name resonates with grit, determination, and unwavering focus. He is the quintessential Test match batsman, a classical player who grinds down opposition bowlers with his solid technique and incredible concentration. In this article, we'll dive into the five best Test innings that define Pujara's illustrious career, moments where he showcased his remarkable ability to build long innings and turn the tide for Team India. Let's explore the marathon man's most memorable performances!

1. 193 vs. Australia, Sydney, 2019: A Masterclass in Patience

This innings, guys, was a sheer masterclass in Test match batting. Picture this: Sydney Cricket Ground, the fourth Test of a crucial series against Australia. India had already gained the upper hand, but they needed a massive score to drive home the advantage. Enter Cheteshwar Pujara. He walked in with his usual calm demeanor and proceeded to construct an innings of epic proportions. This innings is undoubtedly one of the finest displays of Test match batting you'll ever witness. Pujara's 193 in Sydney wasn't just about runs; it was about wearing down the Australian bowlers, blunting their attack, and setting the platform for a massive Indian total. He faced a staggering 373 balls, showcasing his incredible powers of concentration and physical stamina. Each ball was treated with respect, each run meticulously crafted. He left deliveries outside off-stump with surgical precision, defended stoutly against the probing lines, and dispatched loose balls with elegant drives and cuts. What truly stood out was his patience. He was willing to bat for hours, even days, without getting bogged down by the scoring rate. This innings was a testament to his unwavering focus and his understanding of Test match cricket. He wasn't chasing quick runs; he was building an innings brick by brick, tiring out the opposition and setting the stage for India's victory. It was a slow burn, a methodical masterpiece that showcased his incredible mental fortitude and technical brilliance. This knock helped India amass a mammoth total, putting immense pressure on the Australian batting lineup. The result? India won the match and the series, their first-ever Test series win Down Under. This innings was a cornerstone of that historic triumph, and it cemented Pujara's reputation as one of the best Test batsmen in the world. The sheer resilience and determination he displayed were awe-inspiring, making it a truly unforgettable performance. This innings truly highlights Pujara’s ability to anchor an innings and demoralize the opposition with his relentless approach. It was a strategic masterpiece as much as a batting clinic.

2. 202 vs. Australia, Ranchi, 2017: The Marathon Man's Double Ton

The Ranchi Test of 2017 witnessed another epic display of Pujara's endurance and concentration. Facing a formidable Australian bowling attack on a challenging pitch, Pujara dug in and played an unforgettable innings of 202. This innings was not just about scoring runs; it was about weathering the storm and turning the tide in India's favor. Pujara's double century in Ranchi is a testament to his incredible stamina and mental strength. He batted for an unbelievable 525 balls, the longest innings ever played by an Indian batsman in Test cricket. Imagine the physical and mental toll that takes! It’s a true testament to his dedication and commitment to the game. This marathon effort not only saved India from a precarious position but also ensured they gained a crucial first-innings lead. He faced a relentless barrage of deliveries from the Aussie quicks and the wily spinners, but he remained unflappable. He was solid in defense, leaving deliveries outside off-stump with precision and punishing the loose balls with controlled aggression. His ability to rotate the strike and keep the scoreboard ticking over was crucial in maintaining the pressure on the Australian bowlers. What made this innings even more special was the context of the match. India were under pressure after losing the first Test of the series, and they needed a strong performance to bounce back. Pujara's double century provided the perfect platform for India to assert their dominance. It was a match-defining innings that showcased his ability to perform under pressure and deliver when his team needed him the most. The Ranchi pitch was not easy to bat on, offering variable bounce and turn. But Pujara made it look easy with his impeccable technique and unwavering focus. He used his feet well against the spinners, getting to the pitch of the ball and playing with soft hands. He also showed great resilience against the fast bowlers, weathering the initial storm and then gradually wearing them down. This innings was a perfect blend of defense and attack, patience and aggression. It was a true classic that will be remembered for years to come. It also highlighted his tactical acumen, knowing when to attack and when to defend, always putting the team’s needs first. This innings solidified his reputation as a Test match specialist, capable of playing long, match-winning innings under any circumstances. He truly earned the moniker of 'The Marathon Man' with this herculean effort.

3. 153 vs. South Africa, Johannesburg, 2013: A Lone Warrior's Stand

In the face of a fiery South African pace attack at the Wanderers in Johannesburg, Pujara's 153 stands out as a testament to his resilience and courage. This innings was a lone warrior's stand against a formidable bowling lineup, showcasing his ability to perform under immense pressure. Think about it, guys: facing the likes of Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, and Vernon Philander on a bouncy South African pitch is a daunting task for any batsman. But Pujara, with his characteristic grit and determination, took on the challenge head-on. This innings was a classic example of Pujara's defensive technique and his ability to wear down opposition bowlers. He absorbed immense pressure, leaving deliveries outside off-stump, defending stoutly, and punishing the loose balls. He faced 270 balls, demonstrating his incredible concentration and stamina. What made this innings even more special was the fact that he didn't have much support from the other end. Wickets kept falling around him, but he remained focused on his task, determined to build a substantial score for his team. He played with remarkable composure, never losing his cool even when the South African bowlers were breathing fire. This innings showcased his ability to perform under pressure and his unwavering commitment to the team's cause. He displayed incredible grit and determination, battling through tough conditions and a hostile bowling attack. His unwavering focus and mental fortitude were on full display as he negotiated the challenging conditions. He mixed caution with aggression, capitalizing on scoring opportunities while remaining solid in defense. It was a masterful display of Test match batting, earning him accolades from fans and critics alike. The sheer determination and resilience he showed in this innings were truly commendable. It was a performance that showcased his ability to handle pressure and deliver when his team needed him the most. This innings, though not a double century, is often regarded as one of his finest due to the sheer difficulty of the conditions and the quality of the opposition bowling attack. It highlighted his ability to anchor an innings and provide stability to the Indian batting lineup.

4. 77 vs. Australia, Sydney, 2018: Grinding Down the Aussies

While this score might not seem as imposing as his centuries, Pujara's 77 in Sydney in 2018 was a vital knock that showcased his ability to grind down opposition bowlers. In a low-scoring match, this innings proved to be the difference between victory and defeat for India. This knock highlights Pujara’s tactical brilliance and his understanding of Test match situations. This innings perfectly exemplifies Pujara’s strategy of attrition, wearing down the opposition bowlers with his unwavering defense and relentless focus. He faced 204 balls, occupying the crease for a significant amount of time and tiring out the Australian attack. It was a masterclass in patience and concentration, demonstrating his ability to play the long game. The conditions were challenging, with the pitch offering some assistance to the bowlers. But Pujara remained resolute, blunting the Australian attack and setting the platform for India's victory. He was solid in defense, leaving deliveries outside off-stump with precision and punishing the loose balls with controlled aggression. His ability to rotate the strike and keep the scoreboard ticking over was crucial in maintaining the pressure on the Australian bowlers. What made this innings even more special was the context of the match. India were looking to seal the series victory, and they needed a strong performance from their top-order batsmen. Pujara delivered, providing the stability and resilience that India needed. It was a crucial innings that helped India gain a crucial first-innings lead. His ability to soak up pressure and tire out the opposition was instrumental in India’s success. This innings, though not a century, is a testament to Pujara's ability to adapt to different situations and play according to the needs of the team. It showcased his tactical awareness and his understanding of Test match cricket. He knew when to attack and when to defend, always putting the team's interests first. This knock is a perfect example of how Pujara's contributions often go beyond the numbers. He creates pressure, frustrates bowlers, and sets up opportunities for his teammates. It’s these kinds of gritty, determined performances that make him such a valuable asset to the Indian Test team.

5. 92 vs. Australia, Bengaluru, 2017: A Fighting Knock Under Pressure

The Bengaluru Test of 2017 was a pressure cooker situation for India, and Pujara's 92 was a fighting knock that showcased his mental strength and determination. Facing a must-win situation, Pujara rose to the occasion and played a crucial innings that helped India level the series. This innings is a testament to Pujara’s ability to perform under pressure and his unwavering commitment to the team's cause. India had lost the first Test of the series and were under immense pressure to bounce back. The Bengaluru pitch was challenging, offering turn and bounce to the bowlers. But Pujara, with his characteristic grit and determination, took on the challenge head-on. He faced 221 balls, demonstrating his incredible concentration and stamina. He was solid in defense, leaving deliveries outside off-stump with precision and punishing the loose balls with controlled aggression. His ability to rotate the strike and keep the scoreboard ticking over was crucial in maintaining the pressure on the Australian bowlers. What made this innings even more special was the fact that he formed a crucial partnership with Ajinkya Rahane, helping India recover from a precarious position. They weathered the storm together, blunting the Australian attack and setting the platform for India's victory. This innings showcased his ability to form partnerships and play according to the match situation. He was willing to grind it out, bat long, and put the team's interests first. The innings was filled with resilience and determination, as Pujara battled through tough conditions and a hostile bowling attack. His unwavering focus and mental fortitude were on full display as he negotiated the challenging conditions. He missed out on a well-deserved century, but his contribution was invaluable in the context of the match. This innings highlighted his ability to absorb pressure and deliver when his team needed him the most. It was a performance that showcased his mental strength and his commitment to the team's cause. This knock, though falling short of a century, underscored his value as a Test match player, capable of performing under pressure and contributing to crucial partnerships. It solidified his role as a key component of the Indian batting lineup.

These five innings are just a glimpse into the brilliance of Cheteshwar Pujara, a true Test match legend. His grit, determination, and unwavering focus have made him one of the most respected batsmen in the world. He continues to be a vital cog in the Indian Test team, and we can't wait to see what other memorable innings he has in store for us.