- Shamser Khalid
Teammates Send Praise Ahead Pujara's 100th Test
The second India-Australia Test at Delhi will mark Cheteshwar Pujara’s 100th Test match. Before the second Test, several of Pujara's teammates sent messages commemorating the player's upcoming milestone.
Messages Shared by Team India
Pujara's teammates shared their messages in a special feature made and posted by the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India).
Rohit Sharma, the India skipper, called Pujara’s achievement special, stating, “I would like to congratulate Pujara on making it to the 100th Test match for the country. It’s a big, big achievement, not many people go on to achieve what you have done for your country. So big congratulations on that."
He added that it “took a lot” for the middle-order batter to get and that the team is proud of his achievement.
India coach Rahul Dravid praised Pujara’s ability to smile through this road to 100 Tests. He recalled the first time he saw the player on the field, which was in a Ranji Trophy game against Karnataka, and stated how it's been a pleasure to see the player evolve over the years.
“Everyone speaks about your hard work, your determination, and your courage. I think to be able to play 100 Test matches requires a lot of stubbornness and single-minded determination. You’ve gone through a lot, and you’ve gone through this journey with a smile and always putting the team first, and I think that is something that you can be proud of. All the best, I hope you really enjoy the five days.”
Several other players commended Pujara's hard work and abilities on the field.
Cheteshwar Pujara’s Accomplishments So Far
In the 99 Test games that Pujara played, he scored 7021 runs, including 19 hundreds and 34 half-centuries, and a high score of 206. Following the second Test against Australia, Pujara will be the 13th Indian cricketer to play 100 Test matches.
Other Indian cricketers who reached 100 Tests include Virat Kohli, Harbhajan Singh, and Rahul Dravid. Among the Indian cricketers that played in over 100 Tests, Sachin Tendulkar reached a milestone of 200 Test matches.
Along with an impressive record in Test cricket, Pujara's “tough runs” have always been looked at as a valuable asset by the team.
On the eve of the match, Pujara had an interview about his milestone. "When I made my debut, I never thought about playing 100 Test matches, and it's always about the present," Pujara told reporters.
"Hundred Tests is something that happens in a journey and something you can't predict, but once you continue playing good cricket, it happens."
Before the second Test against Australia, Pujara had a brilliant track record against Australia. Among the many Test series that Pujara played in, he was a key player in the 2018-19 series win in Australia.
India's Upcoming Matches
India won the first Test match against Australia by 132 runs. Following their second Test, which will be from February 17 to March 22, India and Australia will face each other again in an ODI series starting on March 17.
