Veteran India batter Cheteshwar Pujara has once again demonstrated his resilience and class with a gritty 91-run knock for Saurashtra in a Ranji Trophy match. Despite being overlooked for the England Test series, Pujara’s continued his golden run with the bat in domestic circuit.

Pujara’s recent performance against Services was nothing short of heroic, as he braved a stiff back to score a gritty 91, just nine runs shy of what would have been his 20th Test century.

Pujara’s journey to the crease was not without its challenges. After retiring hurt with a back injury, it was uncertain whether he would bat again in the match. However, showcasing the tenacity that has defined his career, Pujara walked out to bat and continued his fine form. His knock was a testament to his mental fortitude and physical endurance, qualities that have made him one of the most reliable batsmen in the longer format of the game.

This innings was particularly special as it saw Pujara become only the second Saurashtra batsman to surpass 7,000 runs in the Ranji Trophy, joining the esteemed company of Sitanshu Kotak. With an average soaring above 67 and 22 hundreds to his name in the tournament, Pujara’s domestic record is a reflection of his exceptional talent and consistency.

Despite his efforts, Saurashtra fell short of taking the first-innings lead against Services. The team began the day facing a daunting 382-run deficit, but Pujara’s fighting spirit ignited a remarkable fightback. His 91-run stand was a display of sheer determination and skill, as he maneuvered the field and tackled the Services’ bowling attack with finesse.

Pujara’s recent performances in the Ranji Trophy have been nothing short of spectacular. Earlier in the season, he achieved the incredible feat of scoring his 17th double hundred in first-class cricket, further extending Saurashtra’s dominance in the tournament. This milestone placed him alongside cricketing greats like Herbert Sutcliffe and Mark Ramprakash, and just behind legends such as Don Bradman, Wally Hammond, and Patsy Hendren in terms of double centuries scored.

Moreover, Pujara etched his name in the annals of cricket history by becoming the fourth Indian to complete 20,000 first-class runs, joining the elite list that includes Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar. His monumental achievement came during a match against Vidarbha in Nagpur, where he showcased his prowess with scores of 43 and 66 in the two innings, respectively.

The exclusion from the national team has not deterred Pujara’s spirit. Instead, it has fueled his desire to pile on runs and make a compelling case for his return to the international arena. His last appearance for India came in June 2023 against Australia in the ICC World Test Championship final in the UK. Since then, he has been absent from the Test squad, including the home ser