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Top 5 Best Innings of Cheteshwar Pujara in Test Cricket

Shubham Sangale·

Cheteshwar Pujara’s Top 5 Test Innings: When Rahul Dravid retired, the big question was who would take his place in Indian cricket. Dravid was known as The Wall of Team India. To everyone’s surprise, Cheteshwar Pujara came and carried that legacy with his calmness, patience, and solid batting technique.

After more than a decade of serving Indian cricket, Pujara announced his retirement from all formats. He may not play again, but his unforgettable innings will always remind us why he was called the “New Wall” of Indian cricket. Let’s look at his Top 5 memorable Test innings.


Fighting Innings That Defined Pujara

5. 145 vs Sri Lanka, Colombo (2015)*

In this innings, Cheteshwar Pujara, playing as an opener, held one end in difficult conditions. After India lost wickets in quick succession, he played an unbeaten knock of 145 runs with composure, helping India post a respectable total and eventually win the series 2–1. This victory was India’s first Test series win in Sri Lanka in 22 years.

4. 132 vs England, Southampton (2018)*

This century shows Cheteshwar Pujara’s fighting nature. In the difficult weather and pitch of England, when the rest of the Indian batsmen were struggling, Pujara single-handedly took charge. He scored an unbeaten 132 off 257 balls and helped India get back into the match by giving them a first innings lead.

3. 153 vs South Africa, Johannesburg (2013)

Cheteshwar Pujara scored this brilliant century against South Africa’s deadly fast bowling trio (Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, and Vernon Philander). He faced 270 balls to take India to a strong score. His innings are a great proof of his technical ability and ability to perform well under pressure on foreign soil.


Pujara’s Historic Double Tons

Cheteshwar Pujara Announces Retirement from All Forms of Indian Cricket

2. 204 vs Australia, Hyderabad (2013)

This innings came after Cheteshwar Pujara’s first double century, and it helped him further strengthen his place in the Indian team. He scored 204 runs in 341 balls, which included 30 fours and a six. This innings was the perfect mix of his aggressive and patient batting, which led India to a huge victory by an innings and 135 runs.

1.  202 vs Australia, Ranchi (2017)

This innings is regarded as the most historic of Cheteshwar Pujara’s career. He faced 525 balls, marking the longest innings played by any Indian in Test cricket. In this marathon effort, he batted for nearly 11 hours, helping India save the match from defeat and secure a draw. This performance showcased his remarkable patience and determination.


Cheteshwar Pujara’s Top 5 Test Innings

Rank Score Opponent Venue Year Highlights
1 202 Australia Ranchi 2017 Faced 525 balls, 11-hour marathon
2 204 Australia Hyderabad 2013 30 fours, match-winning double ton
3 153 South Africa Johannesburg 2013 Against Steyn & Morkel’s pace attack
4 132* England Southampton 2018 Lone warrior on tough English pitch
5 145* Sri Lanka Colombo 2015 Match-winning knock as opener

Cheteshwar Pujara Key Career Stats

Format Matches Runs Average 100s 50s
Tests 103 7,195 43.60 19 35
ODIs 5 51 10.20 0 0

Read Also: Pujara’s  Glorious Test Career highlights