After getting dropped for West Indies Test series, India’s Test veteran Cheteshwar Pujara send a strong message to selectors. The 35-year-old smashed a stunning century for West Zone in the Duleep Trophy semifinal against Central Zone on Friday.
Pujara, who scored his 60th First-Class cricket, levelled with former India captain Vijay Hazare’s tally.
Pujara’s outstanding innings has helped West Zone extend their first-inning lead beyond 300 runs.
Having been left out of the Indian team for the West Indies tour, Pujara entered the semifinal with a point to prove and displayed a stunning comeback despite scoring 28 runs in the first innings.
Starting the day from an overnight score of 50, Pujara didn’t look in any discomfort as he played his strokes freely.
The early dismissal of Sarfaraz Khan in the first over of the day did not deter Pujara’s concentration as he partnered with Het Patel to stitch a crucial 47-run stand.
However, Saransh Jain managed to break the partnership by dismissing Patel. Atit Sheth, who stood out in the first innings, didn’t contribute much in the second innings and got dismissed on 7.
Unfazed by the situation, Pujara completed the century during the second session after hitting Saurabh Kumar for two boundaries.
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