Thanks for the memories, Cheteshwar Pujara: 15 memorable moments from his career in pics as Indian stalwart retires
Cheteshwar Pujara played 103 Test matches for India, and heaped on over 20,000 First Class runs. Dozens upon dozens of
Cheteshwar Pujara played 103 Test matches for India, and heaped on over 20,000 First Class runs. Dozens upon dozens of memories, here are some of the finest.
Cheteshwar Pujara has called time on his career, 20 years on from his First Class debut. This is a picture of him from his final international match – but before it followed a long career full of moments that came to define him as the spine of India's best and most successful Test team. Here are some of the most remarkable moments for one of India's most remarkable cricketers.(AFP)
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Marks Test debut with 72 vs Australia in successful chaseCheteshwar Pujara made a name for himself on the domestic stage and earned his debut as a 22-year-old when Australia came visiting in 2010. After a quiet outing in the first innings, he saw himself promoted to 3 in the second, ahead of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, while chasing 207. He made it count, scoring a fluent 72, looking very capable at the toughest stage.(AFP)
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Maiden Test century, vs New Zealand in Hyderabad 2012Brought in to fill the role of Rahul Dravid, most would have cowered at the prospect. Not the young Pujara, who showed all his reliability and mental clarity as he scored his first century while playing against the Kiwis in Hyderabad, sharing the first of many century partnerships with Virat Kohli.(AFP)
Double-century vs England in 2012When he really came into his own, however, was when England came visiting later that year. In the first Test match, a remarkable 206* against a quality bowling unit, and the sort of stoic marathon innings that would come to define his career. Remained not-out as well.(AFP)
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First overseas century, Johannesburg 2013Pujara didn’t have the best record in South Africa, but it still remains the country where he scored his first overseas century. And in what a Test it came: every run from Pujara’s bat was valuable alongside Kohli, as the Proteas nearly hauled down a target of 458. A score of 153 that looks better and better in retrospect.(AFP)
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Kuldeep Yadav returned figures of 4-7 to lead holders India to a crushing nine-wicket win over hosts United Arab Emirates in their opening match of the Asia Cup on Wednesday.
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Shubman Gill will serve as Suryakumar Yadav's deputy in the Asia Cup. He is expected to open alongside Abhishek Sharma. His inclusion in the squad has led to polarising opinion, with many criticising the selectors for picking players based on their Test form.
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Cheteshwar Pujara has called time on his career, 20 years on from his First Class debut. This is a picture of him from his final international match – but before it followed a long career full of moments that came to define him as the spine of India's best and most successful Test team. Here are some of the most remarkable moments for one of India's most remarkable cricketers.
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India are preparing to continue a strong start to life in T20 cricket under the guidance of Suryakumar Yadav, who has forged a formidable unit alongside coach Gautam Gambhir. Ahead of next year's home T20 World Cup, next month's Asia Cup will be an important warm-up event for the team to find its identity.