Cheteshwar Pujara Makes History with 18th First-Class Double Century, Ranks Fourth in All-Time List

Saurashtra's talismanic batsman Cheteshwar Pujara smashed a sensational double-century to etch his name once again in the Ranji Trophy record books. Pujara, a stalwart of Saurashtra's batting lineup, showcased his class by scoring 234 runs in just his second match of the season.

The senior batter took the onus on himself after Chhattisgarh posted a mammoth 578-7 in the first innings. He held one end for Saurashtra and helped them draw the match with his marathon knock.

He reached the double-figure mark in 348 balls and went on to score 234 when Shashank Singh dismissed him. His known was embellished with 25 fours and a six.

It was his ninth double-century as he equalled the tally of Paras Dogra in the Ranji Trophy, who also breached the 200-run mark nine times in the tournament. Meanwhile, Pujara extended his lead in the tally of most double tons in first-class cricket by an Indian- 18, out of which three came in international cricket. Meanwhile, he is placed fourth on the overall list of most double centuries in first-class cricket, leaving behind former England cricketers Herbert Sutcliffe and Mark Ramprakash, who both have 17 first-class centuries to their names.

With his current scoring rate, Pujara will now look to eclipse Elias Henry Hendren (22), Wally Hammond (36) and Don Bradman (37) in the list of most double-centuries in first-class cricket.

Meanwhile, replying to Chhatisgarh's 578 for 7 declared, India discard Pujara made 234 off 383 balls while Arpit Vasavada (73) and Sheldon Jackson (62) struck a half-century each as Saurashtra scored 478 for 8 on the final day.

Resuming on overnight 75, Pujara decorated his knock with 25 boundaries and one six. He also crossed the mark of 21,000 first-class runs, becoming the fourth Indian player after Gavaskar, Tendulkar, and Dravid to do so. Gavaskar currently tops the list with 25834 runs in first-class cricket.

His marathon knock came a day after India's defeat to New Zealand in Bengaluru. Rohit Sharma and Co. were bundled out for just 46 in the first innings - which is the lowest by an Asian team at home.