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Pujara 100th Test

This is Cheteshwar Pujara. And he loves to bat
This is Cheteshwar Pujara. And he loves to bat•Getty Images
There was one day in 2021 when it felt like he was a walking, talking bullseye for the bowlers
There was one day in 2021 when it felt like he was a walking, talking bullseye for the bowlers •Girish TS/ESPNcricinfo Ltd
He is best known for his defensive skill, concentration levels and appetite for runs
He is best known for his defensive skill, concentration levels and appetite for runs•Getty Images
He was especially good against spin bowling, primarily relying on the quickness of his feet to get him to the pitch of the ball
He was especially good against spin bowling, primarily relying on the quickness of his feet to get him to the pitch of the ball•Getty Images
They saw the value he brings by blunting the new ball, which enabled his team-mates to bat in conditions that are easier for run-scoring. His 28 off 117 balls on a green top at Lord's in 2014 was a classic example
They saw the value he brings by blunting the new ball, which enabled his team-mates to bat in conditions that are easier for run-scoring. His 28 off 117 balls on a green top at Lord's in 2014 was a classic example•AP Photo
His 521 runs in four Tests in 2018 gave India their first-ever series win in Australia, which India celebrated by doing the "Pujara dance" (Don't ask)
His 521 runs in four Tests in 2018 gave India their first-ever series win in Australia, which India celebrated by doing the "Pujara dance" (Don't ask)•Getty Images
In December 2022, he ended his century drought in international cricket as well and took back his place as one of India's batting mainstays
In December 2022, he ended his century drought in international cricket as well and took back his place as one of India's batting mainstays•Associated Press
Sometimes it hurts him. Like a lot. A lot a lot.
Sometimes it hurts him. Like a lot. A lot a lot. •Tertius Pickard/Associated Press
But sometimes it's also the best feeling in the world. Like when he takes the field in Delhi for his 100th Test match
But sometimes it's also the best feeling in the world. Like when he takes the field in Delhi for his 100th Test match •Getty Images
Also, he does things his way. Dude's a proper throwback
Also, he does things his way. Dude's a proper throwback•Getty Images
For all these gifts, there was always a lot of talk about his strike rate, which contributed to the other characteristic most associated with Pujara. From the outside, it felt like he was constantly playing for his place in the team
For all these gifts, there was always a lot of talk about his strike rate, which contributed to the other characteristic most associated with Pujara. From the outside, it felt like he was constantly playing for his place in the team•AFP
Pujara saved some of his best work for Australia
Pujara saved some of his best work for Australia•Getty Images
Having to bat on spin-friendly pitches at home and seamer-friendly pitches abroad finally caught up with Pujara as he went through a spell of 48 innings without a century between 2019 and 2022 and got dropped from the side
Having to bat on spin-friendly pitches at home and seamer-friendly pitches abroad finally caught up with Pujara as he went through a spell of 48 innings without a century between 2019 and 2022 and got dropped from the side•Getty Images
Pujara has come a long way since his debut in 2010 and he wasn't too shabby back then either: batted alongside Sachin Tendulkar and scored a half-century in a winning cause
Pujara has come a long way since his debut in 2010 and he wasn't too shabby back then either: batted alongside Sachin Tendulkar and scored a half-century in a winning cause •BCCI
A Test century in his sixth innings, a double in his ninth, Pujara slipped seamlessly into the role of his idol Rahul Dravid
A Test century in his sixth innings, a double in his ninth, Pujara slipped seamlessly into the role of his idol Rahul Dravid •BCCI
Pujara went through 22 innings between centuries in 2013-15 but retained the support of his captain and his coach
Pujara went through 22 innings between centuries in 2013-15 but retained the support of his captain and his coach•AFP
His double-hundred against them in 2017 broke a record that had stood for over a decade. Most balls faced by an Indian in a Test innings: Pujara 525, Dravid 495.
His double-hundred against them in 2017 broke a record that had stood for over a decade. Most balls faced by an Indian in a Test innings: Pujara 525, Dravid 495. •Associated Press
He returned by scoring four centuries in six innings, including two doubles, in the English country championship
He returned by scoring four centuries in six innings, including two doubles, in the English country championship •Getty Images
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