Cheteshwar Pujara’s marathon knock of 202 led India to a position of strength against Australia on Day 4 of the third Test in Ranchi on Sunday. The right-hand batsman was at the crease for an incredible 525 deliveries, a feat no other Indian batsman had accomplished before.
A wonderful innings from Cheteshwar Pujara whose 202 was his third highest score in Test cricket! #IndvAus #howzstat pic.twitter.com/jBL7MPPf1X
— ICC (@ICC) March 19, 2017
Cheteshwara Pujara first Indian to face 500 balls in a Test innings!#IndvAus
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) March 19, 2017
He shared a vital 199-run partnership with Wriddhiman Saha (117) for the seventh wicket. The stand saw India declare on 603/9 with a lead of 152 runs over Australia.
Pujara’s effort, that spanned 668 minutes, was an exercise in concentration and left Twitter buzzing.
According to the Mumbai Rent Act, @cheteshwar1 would probably have got possession of the pitch based on tenancy laws!
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 19, 2017
I really thought he was going to register the pitch as his permanent address. Well played Pujara. A cold shower and put your feet up 🙏👏👏
— Gaurav Kapur (@gauravkapur) March 19, 2017
After property space, the marathon knock soon shared space with the other major talking point in the day.
Just to highlight it's length, when Pujara started his innings, Yogi Adityanath was an ordinary MP. #IndvAus
— Rofl Gandhi (@RoflGandhi_) March 19, 2017
Pujara has batted through the election and swearing in ceremony of the new UP CM #INDvAUS
— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) March 19, 2017
#CheteshwarPujara innings was like a #Yogi - calm, determined, meditative and disciplined. Let's hope now Yogi plays like Pujara. #UP
— Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) March 19, 2017
Cheteshwar Pujara can be our next Defence Minister. #IndvAus
— Keh Ke Peheno (@coolfunnytshirt) March 19, 2017
Calls for Arsene Wenger’s ouster as manager from Arsenal also found a connection to Pujara’s epic knock.
Even Wenger might be out before Pujara. #IndvAus
— Pavilion Opinions (@pavilionopinion) March 19, 2017
Scored at a strike rate of just 38.47, it was not a surprise that a few players in the dressing room chose to grab a quick power nap, until their number came up for batting.
Next batsman awaiting Pujara's dismissal. #IndvAus pic.twitter.com/43j2pjaptD
— Rofl Gandhi (@RoflGandhi_) March 19, 2017
Some members of the Twitter brigade used the opportunity to revisit a “stinging” statement made by a certain Australian spinner during the second Test.
Kohli said the snake can sting in many directions while referring to Pujara but ChePu hardly stings, he is deadly slow poison. #IndvAus
— cricBC (@cricBC) March 19, 2017
Current and former cricketers weren’t too far behind in expressing their awe at the batsman’s gritty effort.
Another 200 reasons to like Pujara. #INDvAUS
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) March 19, 2017
Great going Team India, Pujara & Saha brilliant stuff. Another good hour after tea and we should be in a strong position in this Test match
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) March 19, 2017