In the opening match of the 2024 Ranji Trophy against Jharkhand in Rajkot, Cheteshwar Pujara, the experienced Test batsman for India, showcased an impressive start to his domestic season by smashing a double century for Saurashtra. On the third day of the game, Pujara scored an unbeaten 243 runs from 356 deliveries, marking his 17th first-class double century. His stellar performance, alongside Prerak Mankad’s unbeaten 104, led Saurashtra to declare their first innings at 578 for 4, effortlessly handling the Jharkhand bowling attack that seemed to lack direction.
Choosing to field after winning the toss, Saurashtra limited Jharkhand to a mere 142 runs in their first innings, courtesy of Chirag Jani’s five-wicket haul. Saurashtra’s strong start was propelled by Harvik Desai’s 85 and Sheldon Jackson’s 54, forming an impressive 81-run partnership. Cheteshwar Pujara, batting at No. 4, displayed formidable solidity and reached the first half of his double century in 162 deliveries on the second day.
𝗗𝗼𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝘁𝗲𝘀𝗵𝘄𝗮𝗿 𝗣𝘂𝗷𝗮𝗿𝗮! 💯💯
A spectacular 2⃣0⃣0⃣ in Rajkot from the Saurashtra batter! 👏👏
Follow the match ▶️ https://t.co/xYOBkksyYt#RanjiTrophy | #SAUvJHA | @IDFCFIRSTBank | @saucricket | @cheteshwar1 pic.twitter.com/ofLZSf2qcl
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) January 7, 2024
Having been absent from India’s Test squad since the World Test Championship final in July 2023, Pujara’s position was taken over by Shubman Gill at No. 3. Gill struggled to score runs during the Test series against South Africa, raising concerns about his performance. India’s upcoming 5-match Test series against England, commencing on January 25, may see Pujara’s remarkable double century offering a glimmer of hope for his return to the international Test arena.
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