(Image Source: X)
[Saba Sports News] In the current Ranji Trophy 2024 match between Saurashtra and Jharkhand, seasoned Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara has been in exceptional form. He not only scored a century against Jharkhand but also converted it into a double century, his 17th in first-class cricket. Resuming Day 3 on 157 runs, Pujara reached the 200-run milestone in the first session.
Saurashtra, after dismissing Jharkhand for 142 in their first innings, declared at 578/4, with Pujara unbeaten on 243 runs from 356 deliveries. This achievement places Pujara alongside Herbert Sutcliffe and Mark Ramprakash with 17 first-class double centuries, trailing only behind Don Bradman, Wally Hammond, and Patsy Hendren.
Facing a 407-run deficit, Jharkhand aims to minimize the gap and possibly take the lead.
Pujara’s performance bolsters his chances for an India comeback. His last appearance for the Indian Test team was in June 2023 against Australia in the World Test Championship final.
Since then, he hasn’t been selected for India’s Test matches against the West Indies and South Africa, though he remained active in domestic and county cricket. With India set to face England in a five-match Test series starting January 25 in Hyderabad, Pujara’s recent exploits may draw the BCCI’s attention for a potential recall.