IND vs AUS: Cheteshwar Pujara openly stakes claims for Border-Gavaskar Trophy after Bengaluru Test

Cheteshwar Pujara is not done yet, and the veteran batter proved this in style by hammering a stunning century in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024-25.

Days after the Indian cricket team’s batting line-up shattered in pieces in the first Test against New Zealand, Pujara reminded them that he was considered their most dependable batter in red-ball cricket.

As India is gearing up for the much-awaited Australia tour, Cheteshwar Pujara gave a timely reminder to the national selectors and the team management that he still has the fire to fuel their batting, especially Down Under.

Cheteshwar Pujara proves he’s not done yet with a sensational century in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25

The seasoned batter, who has been out of the Indian Test team since the WTC 2023 final, delivered a masterclass performance in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024-25, sending a clear message about his hunger for a comeback.

On Day 4 of the second-round match at Rajkot’s Niranjan Shah Stadium, Pujara produced a sublime knock that showcased his trademark resilience. With this ton, the right-hander has not only breached the huge milestone of 21,000 first-class runs but also sent a message to the selectors that he is ready to stack his claim for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

Pujara’s intent was clear from the moment he stepped onto the pitch. In reply to Chhattisgarh's mammoth first-inning score of 578/7d, Saurashtra has a mixed start, but, as always, Pujara stood tall. Coming in at his usual No. 3 position, the 36-year-old displayed a masterful array of strokes, driving and flicking his way to another flawless century in the majestic tournament.

Cheteshwar Pujara approaching fast to his double ton in Rajkot

His ability to score all around the park was on full display, as he took charge of the Saurashtra team in closing the gap on Chhattisgarh's mountainous total on the board in Rajkot. Partnering first with opener Chirag Jani, Pujara stitched together a crucial 68-run stand, steadying the ship for Saurashtra.

After Jani’s dismissal for 40 runs, the senior batter joined hands with Sheldon Jackson, and the two piled on a 109-run partnership to stabilize Saurashtra’s innings. However, Jackson's departure early on Day 4, after a well-made 62, put the pressure back on Pujara, but he continued to carry the team’s hopes on his shoulders.

Later, Pujara forged another significant stand of over 100 runs with Arpit Vasavada (68*) to keep Saurashtra alive in the game. Meanwhile, Cheteshwar Pujara is currently batting at 155* runs off 264 balls and has already hit 18 boundaries against Chhattisgarh in the ongoing second game of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 in Rajkot.

Rajkot century reignites Pujara’s chances to return to the Indian Test team

It was Pujara’s 66th First-Class century and 25th ton in the Ranji Trophy. He is now just three hundred away from breaking Rahul Dravid’s (68) record to become the second batter with most FC centuries, with Sachin Tendulkar (81) leading the list.

66TH FIRST CLASS CENTURY BY CHETESHWAR PUJARA...!!! 🤯

- A stupendous hundred, his 25th in Ranji trophy history. One of the best from India in the longest format! 👌 pic.twitter.com/VizjWnivf1

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 21, 2024

This knock has undoubtedly reignited Pujara’s chances to return to the Indian Test squad for the Australia tour, where India will play five Tests and his recent form in domestic cricket makes one thing clear: the seasoned batter is far from finished, and his hunger for runs burns brighter than ever.