Description
Cheteshwar Pujara is a renowned Indian cricketer known for his exceptional skills as a Test batsman. Often referred to as the “New Wall” of Indian cricket, Pujara is celebrated for his traditional batting style, patience, and resilience, which have made him a cornerstone of India’s Test team.
Key Aspects of His Life and Career:
Early Life and Background:
- Full Name: Cheteshwar Arvind Pujara
- Born: January 25, 1988, in Rajkot, Gujarat, India.
- Pujara comes from a cricketing family; his father, Arvind Pujara, played Ranji Trophy cricket for Saurashtra, and his uncle also played at the domestic level. This background helped Pujara develop his game from a young age.
Domestic Career:
- Pujara began his cricketing journey playing for Saurashtra in domestic cricket. He made his first-class debut in 2005 and quickly established himself as a prolific run-scorer.
- He has been one of the most consistent performers in the Ranji Trophy, with multiple high-scoring seasons that paved the way for his selection to the Indian national team.
International Career:
- Test Debut: Pujara made his Test debut for India on October 9, 2010, against Australia in Bangalore. He made an immediate impact with a match-winning performance, scoring a composed 72 in the second innings.
- Playing Style: Known for his classical technique, Pujara is often compared to the legendary Rahul Dravid for his ability to occupy the crease and wear down bowlers. He is a traditional Test batsman, known for his patience, concentration, and solid defense.
- Notable Performances:
- 2012-13 vs England: Pujara’s double century (206*) in Ahmedabad and his consistent performances throughout the series helped India secure a 2-1 victory over England.
- 2018-19 Australia Series: Pujara was the leading run-scorer in India’s historic Test series win in Australia, scoring 521 runs, including three centuries. His performances were crucial in helping India secure their first-ever Test series win in Australia.
- 2020-21 Australia Series: In the absence of key players, Pujara played a crucial role in India's series victory, enduring numerous blows to his body while playing gritty innings that allowed other batsmen to flourish.
Test Specialist:
- Pujara is primarily known as a Test specialist. He has often been a key player for India in tough overseas conditions, where his ability to play long innings has been invaluable.
- Despite being pigeonholed as a Test player, Pujara has also played in limited-overs cricket, though his opportunities in ODIs and T20s have been limited due to his playing style.
Challenges and Resilience:
- Pujara’s career has not been without challenges. He has faced criticism for his slow scoring rate and has been dropped from the team on a few occasions. However, his ability to bounce back with match-winning performances has earned him immense respect.
Personal Life:
- Pujara is known for his calm and disciplined demeanor, both on and off the field. He married Puja Pabari in 2013, and the couple has a daughter named Aditi, born in 2018.
Awards and Recognition:
- Pujara has received several awards and accolades, including the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2017 for his contributions to Indian cricket.
- He has been recognized as one of the best Test batsmen of his generation, particularly for his performances in overseas tours.
Legacy:
- Cheteshwar Pujara is widely regarded as the backbone of India’s Test batting lineup. His ability to anchor innings and perform in challenging conditions has made him an indispensable player in the longest format of the game.
- Pujara's traditional approach to batting, with an emphasis on technique, patience, and mental toughness, serves as a reminder of the enduring value of classical Test cricket in the modern era.
Pujara’s legacy in Indian cricket is defined by his tenacity, consistency, and match-winning performances in some of India’s most memorable Test victories. He is a true embodiment of the classical Test batsman in an era dominated by aggressive stroke play.
