Pujara’s spectacular innings in the Ranji Trophy positions him second in the list of double hundreds
In a phenomenal display, Cheteshwar Pujara notched up his 17th double-century in first-class cricket during the initial round of the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy against Jharkhand. Starting the day at 157 not out, Pujara crossed the 200-mark in the morning session of the third day, culminating his innings at an unbeaten 243 as Saurashtra declared at 578 for 4, establishing a colossal lead of 436.
Pujara now shares the record for 17 first-class double centuries alongside Herbert Sutcliffe and Mark Ramprakash, trailing the likes of Don Bradman (37), Wally Hammond (36), and Patsy Hendren (22). Within the Ranji Trophy, his eight double-hundreds place him second, following Paras Dogra’s nine.
Additionally, Pujara boasts three first-class triple-centuries, with his most recent achieved against West Indies A in October 2013.
With this stellar performance, Pujara eyes a potential spot in the upcoming five-Test series against England, commencing on January 25 in Hyderabad. His last Test appearance was during the WTC final against Australia at The Oval, contributing 14 and 27 in a match where India faced a 209-run defeat.
Throughout India’s recent Test series, Shubman Gill occupied the No. 3 slot while Yashasvi Jaiswal handled the opening duties. Meanwhile, Pujara engaged in county cricket for Sussex, featured in the Irani Cup, and participated in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, though his performances were not as noteworthy.
Expected to play another Ranji fixture against Haryana at home from January 12 to 15, Pujara aims to solidify his form ahead of the England Test squad announcement. Saurashtra’s subsequent match against Vidarbha is scheduled from January 19 to 22, rounding off Pujara’s possible appearances before the squad revelation.
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