Cheteshwar Pujara’s Double Century Sends Strong Signal Ahead of Test Series Squad Announcement
Indian cricket veteran Cheteshwar Pujara has made a compelling case for his return to Test cricket with an impressive double century in the Ranji Trophy. Pujara smashed his 17th double hundred in first-class cricket during Saurashtra’s match against Jharkhand in Rajkot. With India set to face England in a five-match Test series starting on January 25 and the squad announcement imminent, Pujara’s remarkable innings serves as a crucial statement of intent to the selectors.
Pujara’s 17th double century puts him joint fourth in the list of most double centuries in first-class cricket, alongside Herbert Sutcliffe and Mark Ramprakash. Sitting at the top of the leaderboard is Sir Donald Bradman with 37 double centuries, followed by England’s Wally Hammond with 36.
Notably, Pujara also surpassed VVS Laxman to claim the fourth position in the list of Indian batsmen with the most first-class runs, trailing only Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, and Rahul Dravid.
Meanwhile, the national selectors are facing a tough decision between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the upcoming Afghanistan series. Both players may find themselves in the squad, but their form during the Indian Premier League (IPL) could be the deciding factor for selection in the T20 World Cup team.
Further discussions are expected, with the final decision potentially resting with the influential secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Jay Shah.
Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar had already engaged in discussions with the two veterans during the second Test in South Africa, and both players have expressed their availability. Nevertheless, external factors and the BCCI’s hierarchy may play a role in the ultimate decision-making process.
(With PTI inputs)
Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara has made a strong statement for his return to the Test cricket team with a double century in the Ranji Trophy. Pujara’s 17th double ton in first-class cricket came during Saurashtra’s match against Jharkhand in Rajkot. This performance is particularly significant as the squad announcement for the upcoming Test series against England is expected soon. Pujara’s double century places him joint fourth in the list of most double centuries in first-class cricket, alongside Herbert Sutcliffe and Mark Ramprakash. He has also surpassed VVS Laxman to become the fourth Indian batsman with the most first-class runs. The national selectors are facing a dilemma in choosing between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the Afghanistan series. Ultimately, the final decision might be taken by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah.
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