Saurashtra’s Cheteshwar Pujara Scores 17th First-Class Double Century, Breaks Records
Cheteshwar Pujara’s remarkable double century for Saurashtra against Jharkhand in the Ranji Trophy match has sparked discussions about his potential return to the Indian Test cricket team. Pujara’s outstanding knock helped Saurashtra surpass the 500-run mark on Day 3 and extend their first innings lead to over 400 by the second session. Jharkhand was dismissed for 142, thanks to Chirag Jani’s five-wicket haul.
Pujara, with his 17th double century in first-class cricket, now shares the fourth position on the list of most double centuries in first-class cricket, alongside Herbert Sutcliffe and Mark Ramprakash. His impressive performance has also propelled him to the fourth position among Indian batters with the most first-class runs, surpassing VVS Laxman.
This marks Pujara’s eighth double hundred in the Ranji Trophy, placing him just one behind Paras Dogra’s record of nine in the tournament. Additionally, Pujara holds the distinction of achieving three first-class triple-centuries, with the most recent one coming against West Indies A in October 2013.
Despite his stellar track record, Pujara has been excluded from the national Test squad since the ICC WTC Final against Australia in June of last year. However, his performance in the ongoing Ranji Trophy could pave the way for his return to the Indian team for the upcoming five-Test series against England, which begins later this month. Pujara’s remarkable display has certainly caught the attention of selectors and fans alike, making a strong case for his inclusion in the Indian Test squad.
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