Cheteshwar Pujara – The Rock of India's Test Line‑up

When you think of Indian Test cricket, Cheteshwar Pujara’s name pops up right away. He’s the guy who can sit at the crease for hours, grinding out runs while the bowler sweats. Want to know why he’s so valuable? Let’s break down his style, his biggest scores, and what makes him a fan favourite.

Why Pujara’s Technique Works

Pujara’s batting is built on patience. He plays with a straight bat, watches the ball well and rarely takes big risks. That disciplined approach lets him wear down fast bowlers and turn tight situations into big partnerships. In simple terms, he’s the human version of a wall – steady, reliable and hard to break.

He also has a great head‑position and uses his feet to get into the right line. Even on swinging conditions, you’ll see him adjusting his stance, nudging the ball into gaps and keeping the scoreboard ticking. Young cricketers often study his footwork because it shows how to handle hostile bowling without panic.

Key Stats and Memorable Innings

By the end of 2023, Pujara had crossed 7,000 Test runs with an average hovering around 48. That’s impressive for a player who often bats at No 3 or No 4, where the pressure is high. His highest score, 274 runs against Australia in 2020, proved he can dominate a world‑class attack when the pitch favors him.

One innings that still gets talked about is his 153 at Lord’s in 2018. He faced a hostile English spell, survived a scary spell of swing, and guided India to a winning total. Fans love that match because it showed his grit – he didn’t just survive, he set up a win.

Another highlight is his partnership with Virat Kohli against South Africa in 2018. Together they added 365 runs for the third wicket, turning a tricky situation into a massive total. That stand is still one of the highest third‑wicket partnerships in Test history.

Besides runs, Pujara has taken over 50 catches in Tests, showing he contributes in the field. His calm presence also helps younger teammates stay focused during long innings.

Off the field, Pujara is known for his simple lifestyle and love for reading. He often talks about using cricket as a way to learn life lessons – patience, persistence and humility. Those traits echo in his batting – you rarely see flashy strokes, but you see consistent results.

In limited‑overs cricket, he hasn’t made the same impact, but his technique translates well into the longer format, which is why India keeps him as a Test specialist. When the team needs stability, they call Pujara, and he delivers.

So, whether you’re a new fan looking for a reliable batsman to follow, or an aspiring cricketer studying technique, Cheteshwar Pujara offers a blueprint of how patience and discipline can win matches. Keep an eye on his upcoming series – you’ll likely see another marathon innings that reminds everyone why he’s called the ‘wall’ of Indian cricket.