BCCI wishes Cheteshwar Pujara on his 38th birthday
New Delhi, January 25
The Board of Control for Cricket in India extends best wishes to veteran Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara as he celebrates his 38th birthday on Sunday.
BCCI took to X to extend its wishes to the batting great, who carved out a legendary Test career on the back of an impenetrable defence and a rock-solid technique.
"108 Intl matches 7246 Intl runs 19 Test centuries. Here's wishing the gritty Cheteshwar Pujara, a very Happy Birthday," BCCI wrote in an X post.
Pujara made his international debut against Australia in Bengaluru on October 9, 2010. The latter played a total of 103 Tests and amassed 7195 runs at an average of 43.60. Pujara slammed 19 hundreds and 35 half-centuries throughout his international career with a highest score of 206*.
Pujara is most remembered for India's Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) triumph in Australia in 2018 and 2020. He troubled Australia with his solid defence and technique.
The Indian red ball stalwart top-scored in the 2018 BGT with 521 runs in four matches at an average of 74.42, three centuries and a fifty. His best score was 193.
In the 2020-21 BGT, he scored 271 runs from four matches at an average of 33.87, with three fifties and a best score of 77. In the final Test at The Gabba, he endured several body blows from Australian pacers, making the win even more memorable.
Apart from international cricket, Cheteshwar Pujara was a domestic legend with over 21301 runs from 278 first-class games. The latter slammed 66 tons and 81 half-centuries through his first-class career.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As a cricket fan living abroad, Pujara's innings were a lesson in patience and technique. The modern game needs players like him. Those body blows at the Gabba... respect! Wishing him a great year ahead.
A very happy birthday to Cheteshwar Pujara ji! 🇮🇳 His contribution to Indian cricket, especially in Test matches, is immense. Over 21,000 first-class runs is no joke. Hope he has a wonderful day with family.
While I respect his legacy, I feel BCCI's handling of his exit was a bit cold. One of our greatest Test batters deserved a more graceful farewell from the team, not just a social media post on his birthday. Just my opinion.
The stats speak for themselves. 19 Test centuries and a rock at number 3. His technique was textbook perfect. Young batters should watch his old innings to learn how to play the moving ball. Happy Birthday, champion!
From an Australian fan's perspective, this guy was a nightmare! He just wouldn't get out. That 2018 series where he scored 500+ runs was brutal to watch. A true warrior of the game. Best wishes on his birthday.
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