Cheteshwar Pujara completes 10,000 First-Class runs

Cheteshwar Pujara completes 10,000 First-Class runs

India‘s Test regular Cheteshwar Pujara completed his 10,000 First-Class (FC) runs en-route his 33rd FC ton. Playing for India Blue against India Red in the final of the Duleep Trophy 2016-17,  Pujara came out to bat at his normal position No.3. Prior to the match Pujara had from 129 matches 9981 FC runs with 32 hundreds. Pujara struck an unbeaten 111* runs from 164 balls to help India Blue reach commendable score of 362 for 3 on Day 1. Pujara reached his 33rd FC ton in just 153 balls, which included 12 four’s. This is also his second century in this edition of Duleep Trophy 2016-17. Full Cricket Update, Duleep Trophy Final, India Red vs India Blue, Day 1

In Tests playing for India Pujara has scored 2,482 runs in 35 matches at an average of 46.83 which is lower than his FC average of 55.14. Pujara has also scored 7 Test tons playing for India with a highest of 206 not-out against England way back in 2012. Pujara made his FC debut for Saurashtra in 2005 playing against Vidarbha. Pujara in the last Test series which India played against West Indies. Pujara played three-Tests out of 4, amassing to only 62 runs in 2 innings. He had a best of 46 runs.

With a place in the Indian Test side up for grabs for the series against New Zealand and with national selectors and head coach Anil Kumble present in the stadium at Greater Noida, it became impervious for Pujara to put his right foot forward in the door. India have a long home season ahead with as many as 13 Test matches to be played during the course of 6 months.