Cheteshwar Pujara may be out of the national team, but he’s not done proving his worth. In the ongoing Ranji Trophy, the veteran batter gave the selectors a loud reminder of his incredible talent by smashing his 66th first-class century, which he then converted into a stunning Pujara double ton. With this remarkable feat, Pujara also crossed the milestone of 21,000 runs in first-class cricket, adding another impressive chapter to his storied career. Pujara double ton.

Pujara’s masterclass: A timely reminder for selectors

Pujara’s innings against Chhattisgarh was a demonstration of his unmatched patience and skill. The veteran was in sublime form, steering his team through two 100+ run partnerships, showcasing his ability to guide the middle order and anchor innings. His double century was not just a personal achievement but a crucial one for his team, as it helped Saurashtra chase down a huge first innings total. With over 270 first-class matches under his belt, Pujara continues to prove that experience and consistency matter in cricket’s longest format.

Pujara hasn’t been a part of India’s Test side since June 2023, when he last played in the World Test Championship final against Australia. Since then, despite his rich history as India’s go-to number three in Tests, he has been overlooked by the selectors. Alongside Ajinkya Rahane, Pujara finds himself on the outside, likely due to a shift in team dynamics under Gautam Gambhir’s leadership.

But can India afford to ignore such a seasoned campaigner for much longer? With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia looming later this year, Pujara’s experience could be exactly what India needs to succeed in those challenging conditions. His double ton is a loud reminder to the selectors that he’s still a force to be reckoned with.