Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara achieved a significant milestone, crossing 20,000 runs in first-class cricket during the Ranji Trophy third-round match between Saurashtra and Vidarbha. Pujara contributed a steady 66 runs off 137 balls, forming an 87-run partnership with Vishvarajsinh Jadeja. Despite his dismissal by Harsh Dubey, Pujara played a crucial role in helping Saurashtra gain dominance against Vidarbha.
In Saurashtra’s first innings, Pujara showcased effective batting alongside the tail-enders, accumulating 43 runs from 105 balls. His innings featured four boundaries and a six, contributing significantly to his team’s total of 206.
In his 260th first-class match, Pujara reached the 20,000-run mark, becoming the fourth Indian to achieve this feat. With an average above 51, Pujara has accumulated 20,013 runs, featuring 61 centuries and 78 fifties.
Among Indians, only Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, and Rahul Dravid have scored more runs in red-ball cricket. Additionally, Pujara holds the record for the most FC double-centuries by an Indian, totaling 17 in his illustrious career.
Indian Players with 20,000 FC runs:
- Sunil Gavaskar- 25,834
- Sachin Tendulkar- 25,396
- Rahul Dravid- 23,794
- Cheteshwar Pujara- 20,013
