No Rush, Just Runs: Pujara’s Test Career Was a Masterclass in Patience

Image Source: The Statesman

Cheteshwar Pujara has officially retired from international cricket, closing the chapter on one of India’s most resilient and quietly heroic careers. Often dubbed the modern-day Rahul Dravid, Pujara’s greatness lies not in flamboyance but in fortitude. From his unmatched success in SENA countries to his record-breaking innings in Ranchi, the numbers tell a story of grit, patience, and unwavering commitment to the longest format of the game.

Key highlights from Pujara’s career

- Played 103 Test matches, scoring 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60
- Registered 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries, seventh-most hundreds by an Indian
- Faced 16,217 deliveries in Tests, fifth-most by an Indian batter
- Only Indian to face over 500 balls in a single Test innings
- Most successful Indian player in SENA countries with 11 wins
- Played a pivotal role in India’s historic Test series wins in Australia

The SENA supremacy

Pujara’s record in South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia (SENA) stands unmatched. He featured in 11 Test wins in these countries, more than any other Indian cricketer. His contributions in these victories include:

- Seven 50-plus scores, the highest among Indian players
- Two centuries, joint-most alongside Virat Kohli
- A total of 773 runs in winning causes, second only to Kohli’s 811

His ability to absorb pressure and wear down world-class bowling attacks made him India’s most dependable batter in foreign conditions. Whether it was the swinging pitches of England or the bouncy tracks of Australia, Pujara’s technique and temperament were tailor-made for survival and success.

The longest innings in Indian Test history

In the 2017 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in Ranchi, Pujara etched his name into the record books by facing 525 balls to score 202 runs. This remains the longest innings ever played by an Indian in Test cricket. It was a masterclass in endurance, concentration, and classical Test match batting.

That innings wasn’t an anomaly. In the 2018–19 series in Australia, Pujara faced 1,258 balls across four Tests—the most by any visiting batter in a series of four or fewer matches. He scored 521 runs, including three centuries, and was named Player of the Series as India clinched their first-ever Test series win Down Under.

Debut and early milestones

Pujara made his Test debut in 2010 against Australia in Bengaluru. His 72-run knock in the fourth innings remains the highest by an Indian on debut in that phase of a match. It was a sign of things to come—a player who would thrive under pressure and deliver when it mattered most.

His highest Test score of 206 not out came against England in Ahmedabad in 2012. That innings lasted over eight hours and showcased his ability to anchor the innings and dominate bowlers through sheer patience.

The No. 3 fortress

Pujara inherited the No. 3 spot from Rahul Dravid and made it his own. Of his 7,195 Test runs, 6,529 came at No. 3, making him the second-highest run-scorer for India in that position, behind only Dravid. His average balls faced per innings—92.14—is higher than even Sachin Tendulkar’s, underlining his role as the team’s anchor.

Legacy and farewell

Pujara’s retirement comes after nearly 14 years in international cricket and over two decades in domestic cricket. He last played for India in the World Test Championship final in June 2023. Though his strike rate and form came under scrutiny in recent years, his legacy remains untouched.

He ends his career as a symbol of old-school Test cricket—where patience, technique, and mental strength mattered more than flashy strokeplay. His contributions in Australia, his marathon innings, and his role in India’s rise as a red-ball powerhouse will be remembered for generations.

Sources: Times Now, Times of India, Indian Express, Business Standard