Pujara Now Has The 4th Most Double Hundreds in First Class Cricket History

In a performance that further solidified his status as one of the greatest batsmen of his generation, Cheteshwar Pujara notched up his 18th First-Class Double Century during Saurashtra’s Ranji Trophy match against Chhattisgarh. This remarkable feat not only extended his lead as the Indian with the most double centuries in First-Class cricket but also propelled him into the top four of the all-time list.

Pujara’s double century, a magnificent 234-run innings, came in his second match of the season and was his 25th Ranji Trophy hundred. His sustained excellence in the domestic circuit has been a hallmark of his career, and this latest achievement further underlines his remarkable consistency.

With this innings, Pujara surpassed English cricketers Mark Ramprakash and Herbert Sutcliffe, who both have 17 First-Class double centuries to their names. The only players ahead of him on the all-time list are Don Bradman (37), Wally Hammond (36), and Patsy Hendren (22).

Players with most First-Class double centuries

(i) Don Bradman – 37

(ii) Wally Hammond – 36

(iii) Patsy Hendren – 22

(iv) Cheteshwar Pujara – 18

Pujara’s ability to bat for long periods and score runs at a steady pace has been a key factor in his success. His marathon knocks have often rescued his team from precarious situations and have been instrumental in securing victories.

In addition to his double century, Pujara also reached the milestone of 21,000 First-Class runs during the match. This puts him in elite company, joining Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, and Rahul Dravid as the only Indian batsmen to achieve this feat.

Pujara’s performance against Chhattisgarh came on the heels of India’s disappointing loss to New Zealand in Bengaluru. His ability to rise to the occasion and deliver a match-winning innings amidst a challenging context is a testament to his character and determination.

As Pujara continues to excel in domestic cricket, there is no doubt that he will be eager to make a significant impact on the international stage as well. His unwavering commitment to his craft, coupled with his exceptional talent, makes him a force to be reckoned with in the world of cricket.