Published By: Sanchari Das

After His Ranji Heroics, Should Pujara Be on the Plane to Australia?

Pujara’s form in the Ranji Trophy sparks debate about his place in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Cheteshwar Pujara once again showcased his dominance in domestic cricket, smashing a double century in the Ranji Trophy. Playing for Saurashtra, Pujara scored 234 against Chhattisgarh in his second match of the season. His innings, filled with 25 boundaries and a six, helped his team draw the match. Pujara equalled the record of Paras Dogra with nine double centuries in Ranji. He also extended his lead with 18 double tons in first-class cricket for India. This knock has placed him fourth on the all-time first-class double centuries list globally, showing his unwavering determination and skill.

A force against Australia

Since 2017, Pujara has been India’s top run-scorer in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, amassing 1,378 runs at an average of 47.51. His four centuries and seven half-centuries across 17 Tests highlight his consistency. Pujara’s performances on Australian soil are particularly noteworthy—he’s scored 792 runs in 15 innings, averaging 52.80, with three centuries and four fifties. For years, his ability to endure long sessions and build partnerships has made him a thorn in Australia’s side. Pujara’s importance in the BGT cannot be understated, as his resilience often dictates India’s fortunes in these high-stakes encounters.

The Legendary 2018 BGT

Pujara’s best performance came in the 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he was the architect of India’s first-ever series win on Australian soil. Scoring 521 runs in four Tests at an astonishing average of 74.42, Pujara’s three centuries and one fifty laid the foundation for India’s historic 2-1 victory. His monumental 193 in the final Test at Sydney secured a mammoth total for India, while his century in Adelaide rescued India from a precarious position. This series cemented Pujara’s legacy as one of India’s finest Test batters and a key player against Australia.

The 11-hour marathon knock

Among Pujara’s most memorable innings is his 2018 Adelaide performance, where he batted for 11 hours across both innings. Facing some fiercest bowling from Mitchell Starc and co., Pujara scored 123 in the first innings and 71 in the second, guiding India to a historic 31-run win. His ability to withstand pressure and play long innings was on full display. This knock wasn’t just about scoring runs but mentally exhausting the Australian bowlers, setting up India’s first Test win of the series, which they eventually won 2-1.

A strong case for his inclusion

Pujara’s record on Australian pitches further bolsters his claim for a spot in BGT 2024-25. He has played eight Tests in Australia, accumulating 792 runs at an impressive average of 52.80. These runs include three centuries and four half-centuries, all critical to India’s success. Pujara’s ability to adapt to the bouncy pitches in Australia and grind out long innings has made him a formidable opponent for the Australian bowlers. His experience on these challenging tracks could be a crucial asset for India in the upcoming series.

A look at the numbers

Pujara’s overall stats against Australia in Test cricket are equally impressive. He has played 24 matches and scored 2,033 runs at an average of 50.82, with five centuries and 11 fifties. His consistency against one of the strongest teams in world cricket proves that Pujara knows how to handle the Australian bowlers. While his form since 2021 has been inconsistent, Pujara’s stellar record against Australia makes a strong case for his selection. With India’s next big challenge coming up in BGT 2024-25, Pujara’s experience could once again be the key to success.

The missing piece for India’s Border-Gavaskar puzzle

As India prepares for the crucial BGT 2024-25 series and its remaining World Test Championship (WTC) matches, the question of whether to recall Cheteshwar Pujara becomes more pressing. With the team needing to win five of its next seven matches to secure a place in the WTC final, every decision becomes pivotal. Pujara’s recent form in the Ranji Trophy and wealth of experience make a compelling argument for his return, especially given his proven track record against Australia. His ability to handle the pressure in hostile environments, particularly on tough pitches in Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane, has been instrumental in past victories.

Although the selectors may be inclined to focus on younger talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, Pujara’s battle-hardened presence could provide much-needed stability in a high-stakes series. His capacity to grind down bowlers and bat for long periods has made him a vital asset in previous Border-Gavaskar Trophy battles. While India’s squad has seen the rise of promising young players, the inclusion of a seasoned campaigner like Pujara could balance youthful energy with experience.