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Cheteshwar Pujara Retires: Illustrious Records Accomplished By Veteran Batter In Tests

Anurag Dasgupta

Records achieved by Pujara [Source: AFP Photo] Records achieved by Pujara [Source: AFP Photo]

On Sunday, forgotten India star Cheteshwar Pujara announced his retirement from all forms of the game. The legendary batter revealed his decision on X (formerly known as Twitter). The decision doesn't come in as a surprise since the batter was snubbed from the team for the last 2.5 years, and last represented India in the WTC finals vs Australia.

Post Rahul Dravid's retirement, India needed a solid number 3, and they found the answer in Pujara, who became Wall 2.0, and was the Indian player with the second most runs at number 3 spot, just behind Dravid. Over the years, the veteran batter has achieved several records, and here is a list of all the major accomplishments by Pujara in Test cricket.

1) Only Indian to face 500+ balls in an Inning 

Pujara was known as the rock-solid wall, and he justified the tag by becoming the only Indian player to face 500-plus balls in a single inning. Cheteshwar Pujara faced 525 balls and scored 202 runs against Australia in the 2017 Ranchi Test. This showcased his ability to play for a longer duration.

2) Part of Most SENA Test Wins for India (11)

In his illustrious Test career, Pujara has the distinctive honour of being a part of most Test wins in the SENA nations. He won 11 Test matches in South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia. Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, and Mohammed Siraj have won 10 Tests each.

3) Most balls faced for India in BGT Series

The champion batter also has the record of facing the most balls in a Border-Gavaskar series (vs Australia). In the 2018-19 Australian tour, Pujara faced 1258 deliveries, and helped India secure a famous series win, Down Under.

4) Only Indian in Last 40yrs to bat in all 5 Days of a Test match

Pujara also has the record of becoming the only Indian player to bat on all five days of a Test match. In the India vs Sri Lanka Eden Gardens Tests, Pujara became the only player in the last 40-years to bag this elusive feat.