Cheteshwar Pujara

Indian cricket batsman known for his defensive technique and ability to bat for long periods, key player in India's overseas Test victories

Born on 25 January 1988 in Rajkot, Gujarat, Cheteshwar Pujara emerged from a cricket-loving family with his father Arvind serving as a club cricketer and coach. He developed his technique playing on the turning tracks of Saurashtra, which instilled the patience and defensive solidity that would define his career. Pujara made his first-class debut for Saurashtra in 2005 at age 17 and quickly established himself as a prolific run-scorer in domestic cricket. Pujara's international breakthrough came in 2010, but his peak years arrived between 2016 and 2019 when he became India's premier Test batsman. His defining moment came during India's historic 2018-19 Test series victory in Australia, where he top-scored with 521 runs across four matches, earning the Player of the Series award. His marathon innings of 123 and 71 at Melbourne Cricket Ground proved pivotal in India's first Test series win on Australian soil. Known as "The Wall" for his defensive technique and mental fortitude, Pujara specialized in wearing down bowling attacks through sheer attrition. During the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Pujara faced 928 deliveries across the series, absorbing punishment from Australia's pace battery while anchoring India's batting. His ability to occupy the crease for extended periods became legendary, with several innings exceeding 200 balls faced. Pujara finished his Test career with 7,195 runs in 103 matches at an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries. He also gained valuable experience in English county cricket, representing Yorkshire, Derbyshire, and Sussex. Pujara's significance extends beyond statistics to his embodiment of classical Test batting in an era dominated by aggressive stroke-play. His technique and temperament made him indispensable to India's rise as the world's premier Test team during the late 2010s. After announcing his retirement from international cricket in 2024, Pujara's legacy remains that of India's finest pure Test batsman of his generation.

Defensive, patient batsman known for occupying the crease and wearing down bowlers

One of India's most patient and technically sound Test batsmen

• Australia series wins 2018-19 & 2020-21