Watch: Cheteshwar Pujara knocks BCCI selectors’ door once again with stunning 65th first-class hundred
Published - 25 May 2024, 06:22 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 10:50 PM
India's Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara notched up his second century for Sussex in the ongoing County Championship Division Two on Saturday. He fabulously went past his century and is still unbeaten at the crease.
Middlesex won the toss and opted to bowl first. It is Pujara's century that has held the innings together. The batters above him got starts but could not continue to score the big knock.
Sussex opener Tom Haines (40) and Tom Clarke (32) added a 66-run opening stand. Once the stand was broken, Tom Alsop, the number three batter scored just 11 runs. Pujara walked out to bat at number four and in his own way grinded his innings.
He pulled a short delivery for a boundary to reach his 65th First-Class hundred and 2nd of this County season for Sussex. In the process, he got to a special landmark as he is now just behind Sachin Tendulkar Sunil Gavaskar, and Rahul Dravid in the list of most First-Class centuries for India. Sachin and Gavaskar have scored 81 each followed by Dravid on 68. Pujara is third on the list after completing his 65th First Class ton.
Watch Cheteshwar Pujaar Scores His 65th First-Class Century
Cheteshwar Pujara has a century at Lord's.
— Vitality County Championship (@CountyChamp) M<!---->a<!---->y<!----> <!---->2<!---->5<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->4
A typically patient innings from the Sussex International, reaching his century in 256 balls. p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->Y<!---->1<!---->6<!---->I<!---->d<!---->4<!---->w<!---->3<!---->M<!---->C
Sussex lost their fourth wicket at 165 and since then Pujara and skipper John Simpson have added over 220 runs and are still going strong.
With the IPL 2024 currently going on in India, Pujara has opted to play Country Cricket in England as he often does when the IPL is on. He will be back to playing Test cricket for India after the T20 World Cup 2024.
India will tour down under and play against Australia at the end of the year and Pujara would be valuable for India in that series if he is selected. By then, India will have a new head coach as Rahul Dravid's tenure is all set to end after the T20 World Cup. He has not opted to renew his contract saying that he needs time with his family.
Reports in Rev Sportz say that the BCCI is looking for a former Indian cricketer to replace Rahul Dravid as the next head coach of the side and Gautam Gambhir is on their wishlist. He is among the favorites to replace Dravid as the next head coach of the Indian cricket team. VVS Laxman is also on the radar.
Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer did not show any interest in the role with the Indian team saying that they are not ready for the long-term commitment at the moment. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah responded to it saying that the role of the head coach of the Indian Cricket team is a big responsibility as the team demands a lot of respect.
“When we talk about international cricket, no role is more prestigious than that of the Head Coach of the Indian Cricket Team. Team India commands the largest fan base globally, enjoying support that is truly unrivalled. Our rich history, passion for the game, make this one of the most lucrative jobs in the world. The role demands a high level of professionalism as one gets to nurture some of the best cricketers in the world and an assembly line of talented cricketers to follow," said Jay Shah.
Also Read: PAK vs ENG Head to Head Records- 2nd T20I, Pakistan tour of England 2024
