Ahead Of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Behind Sachin Tendulkar: Cheteshwar Pujara's Stunning Feat

22.10.2024 - 04:37 sports.ndtv.com

As debate and discussion regarding India's Test team continues following their 46 all out collapse against New Zealand, a castaway man has delivered a reminder of his class.

Cheteshwar Pujara, now 36, slammed a double century for Saurashtra against Chhattisgarh in the Ranji Trophy. Pujara's double century was his ninth double century in first-class cricket, making him the Indian batter with the joint-highest double centuries.

He also edged closer to legendary Indian batter Rahul Dravid in an elite list, where he is only behind Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar.

Pujara's double century was his 66th in red-ball cricket, making him the fourth-highest Indian in that list. He is only two hundreds behind Rahul Dravid, who has 68.

cricket India Cricket Team Virat Kohli Rohit Sharma Rahul Dravid Sachin Tendulkar Sunil Gavaskar Cheteshwar Pujara Australia New Zealand India

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar expressed dissapointment with Team India's batting during their shambolic loss to New Zealand in the second Test at Pune, which led to the hosts' first-ever series loss at home in 12 years. Indian batters got the taste of their own medicine as the Kiwi spin attack led by Mitchell Santner, who took 13 wickets in the match, trapped the hosts in their own spin trap and defeated India by 113 runs to secure the series 2-0 with a game to go.

Gautam Gambhir's Strict Stance After Pune Loss: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli And Co Lose 'Privilege'

The Indian cricket team's losses in the first two Tests against New Zealand has sent shockwaves in the entire cricketing spectrum. The series loss against the Kiwis means that the Indian team suffered a home loss for the first time in 12 years, having previously been outplayed by England in 2012. In the wake of the results from the first two Tests, the team management has reportedly taken a stern step, cancelling the 'optional training' session for everyone, including senior stars like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, as well as pacers like Jasprit Bumrah.

"Senior Players Need To...": Ex-India Star Irfan Pathan Sends Warning To Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma And Co.

Following India's series defeat to New Zealand on home soil, former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan took to X to express both praise for New Zealand and concern for the Indian team's performance in the longer format. In his tweet, Pathan commended New Zealand's impressive achievement and emphasized the need for reflection and improvement within Team India. "Well done, New Zealand, on winning the series on Indian soil! For Team India, there's a lot to reflect on. Senior players need to step up and deliver in the ultimate format of the game. The next three months will be crucial for them."

"Unluckiest Cricketer Ever": Virat Kohli's Umpire's Call Dismissal In Pune Test Stuns Everyone

Fans sympathised with star India batter Virat Kohli after his 'unfortunate' dismissal on Day 3 of the 2nd Test against New Zealand in Pune. With a mammoth target of 359 in front of them, India needed Kohli to stand tall with the likes of Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal already back in the hut. While Kohli did get a decent start, he was undone by a beautiful delivery from Mitchell Santer, who got it to zip quickly off the surface. The ball hit him straight in front of the leg stump and umpire Richard Illingworth raised his finger.

Watch: Virat Kohli In Disarray After Bizarre Dismissal, Swings His Bat In Frustration

India's talismanic batter Virat Kohli squandered another opportunity to return to form, after being clean bowled by Mitchell Santner for just 1 run. Kohli came out to bat in the morning session of the second Test in Pune after Shubman Gill was dismissed LBW for 30 runs. Playing his 9th ball of the innings, Kohli misjudged the trajectory of the ball and saw him shatter his stumps. After failing to fire in the first innings of the Bengaluru Test against the Kiwis, Kohli once again disappointed with the bat in the first innings of the second Test.

Virat Kohli Plays "Worst Shot Of His Career", Sanjay Manjrekar Shows No Mercy

Yet another cheap dismissal for Virat Kohli invited another critical post on social media from former India star Sanjay Manjrekar. Virat arrived in the middle of the Pune pitch, hoping to revive India's hopes with the bat against New Zealand on Day 2 of the second Test. But, after facing 8 balls, the talismanic batter was bowled by Mitchell Santner. With just 1 run scored from 9 balls, Kohli only had himself to blame for a poor shot selection against the Kiwi spinner.