Ranji Trophy | Pujara hits record-breaking double ton against Chhattisgarh

Cheteshwar Pujara sent a strong reminder to the Indian selectors before the blockbuster tour of Australia by slamming 234 for Saurashtra in the second round of the Ranji Trophy. In the game against Chhattisgarh, the right-handed batter crafted his 18th first-class double century. 

Only Don Bradman (37), Wally Hammond (36) and Patsy Hendren (22) have more double tons than Pujara in first-class cricket. This was also Pujara’s ninth double hundred in the Ranji Trophy, putting him level with Paras Dogra. No other batter has more double centuries than these two in the tournament's history. 

During his knock, Pujara also went past 21000 runs in first-class cricket. Sunil Gavaskar (25834), Sachin Tendulkar (25396) and Rahul Dravid (23784) are the only three Indians with more red-ball cricket runs than Pujara. These three are also the only Indians with more hundreds than Pujara (66) in the format.

Pujara achieved this feat in Rajkot after Chhattisgarh posted a massive total of 578/7 (decl) in the first innings. Coming in at No.3, the right-handed batter hit 25 fours and a six in his 383-ball knocks and had 100-plus partnerships with Sheldon Jackson and Arpit Vasavada. He got out to Shashank Singh with Saurashtra’s score at 478 as the game ended in a draw, with both teams going back with a point each.

The 36-year-old, who last played a Test for India in June 2023, has been in impressive form this year. In 15 FC games in 2024, Pujara has amassed 1564 runs at an average of 74.48, studded with three fifties and six hundreds. He also averages 47.29 in Australia, so if a spot opens up in the top-order, the selectors could go back to him. 

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