IND vs SA LIVE: Cheteshwar Pujara misses golden chance to defy detractors, out for a first-ball duck in 1st Test – While Indian openers KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal cashed in on their opportunities, Cheteshwar Pujara failed to do so on Day 1 of the IND vs SA 1st Test in Centurion. Pujara who has faced criticism for his lacklustre form over the past 12 months, had the chance to defy his detractors with a fine knock but was dismissed for a first-ball duck on Boxing Day. Follow Insidesport.in for all IND vs SA LIVE Updates.
IND vs SA LIVE: Cheteshwar Pujara misses golden chance to defy detractors, out for a first-ball duck in 1st Test
Cheteshwar Pujara walked in after the openers had set India a platform but he failed to add to it and perished off his very first delivery in Centurion. Pujara had no time to settle into his innings as Lungi Ngidi rushed into his body with a pacy delivery, with the Indian star edging the ball straight to short leg. Cheteshwar Pujara’s duck meant that he now has the most ducks by an Indian No.3 in Test cricket, leapfrogging Dilip Vengsarkar in the process.
- Cheteshwar Pujara – 9 ducks
- Dilip Vengsarkar – 8 ducks
- Rahul Dravid – 7 ducks
- Mohinder Amarnath – 6 ducks
- Ajit Wadekar – 5 ducks
Cheteshwar Pujara is under some pressure to retain his place in the Test XI as he has not got a hundred in the longest format of the game in his last 42 innings, which is an Indian record for batsmen at No. 3. Pujara’s last century came in January 2019, and with the likes of Hanuma Vihari and Shreyas Iyer warming the bench, the Indian veteran will have to pull up his socks and get amongst the runs soon.
Pujara has traditionally struggled in South Africa averaging just 29 in 8 Tests against the Proteas. This year, the Indian No.3 has averaged just 28, while had an average of just 20 in 2020.
IND vs SA LIVE: Cheteshwar Pujara misses golden chance to defy detractors, out for a first-ball duck in 1st Test
