Cheteshwar Pujara Dismisses Comparisons With Virat Kohli On Breaking His First-Class Record

Saurashtra batsman Cheteshwar Pujara recently overhauled a landmark of fifty first-class centuries in Ranji Trophy against Karanataka. Whether or not Virat Kohli is tailormade for red-ball cricket like Pujara, the comparisons were coming. When asked the Test specialist as to if the current Indian captain at some point can overtake his recent record, Pujara conceded that one could not compare the numbers at international level with that of first-class.

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In recent times, the 31-year old has been one of the reasons for India’s overseas success in Tests. Pujara stood like a rock against the Australian pacers in India’s Test tour down under in 2018 and scored a truckload of runs. For his tally of 523 runs across five Tests, he received the man of the series award as India romped to their first Test series victory in Australia.

Speaking to ESPN Cricinfo, the right-handed batsman addressed the question by stating that since Kohli hasn’t played a lot of first-class fixtures, it is unfair to compare. He further said that scoring plenty of tons at the highest level is any day a massive achievement over doing it in the domestic circuit, which is why the 31-year old is ahead of his contemporaries by some margin.

“He hasn’t played too many first-class games so you can’t even compare (our first-class records). He (Kohli) has achieved at the highest level and in all formats of the game, which is always higher than the first-class level. I mean if he has scored many tons at international level, it is always a proud moment. You can’t compare first-class records with ODI tons or even Test match centuries – (taking that into account) he is way ahead when you compare with other players.”

Test Cricket will always remain special: Cheteshwar Pujara

India’s number three batsman in Tests remained firm that the longest format of the game will always be the most cherished form for him. Despite the ever-growing popularity of white-ball cricket and the changing times, Tests would always stay close to his heart.

“Times are changing and white-ball cricket has become popular. But Test cricket is always special and it will always remain special. And let us hope it continues for as much time as possible.” Pujara added.

Cheteshwar Pujara warmed up perfectly for a tough Test tour of New Zeland by scoring 162 off 238 balls. The number one Test team play their first Test against the Kiwis on the 21st of February after three ODIs and five T20 internationals.

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