Welcome to Episode 4 of The Border Gavaskar Trophy: Moments of Glory, where we revisit the most iconic moments from this fierce rivalry. In today’s episode, we highlight a memorable and resolute innings by Cheteshwar Pujara, as he scored a brilliant 204.
Known for his unshakable focus and unwavering determination, Pujara is the epitome of a modern-day warrior of the longest format. A player who thrives in the trenches, his ability to grind down the opposition with relentless patience and technique makes him a true Test cricket legend.
Australia were soundly defeated in the first Test and were eager to bounce back, aiming to level the series 1-1 at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad. After winning the toss, the visiting team chose to bat first, hoping to put India on the back foot from day one. However, their strategy backfired as they lost four quick wickets for just 63 runs. Once again, it was their captain who led from the front with a resilient 91, supported by Matthew Wade’s 62. Together, they rescued Australia, building a crucial 145-run partnership for the fifth wicket. After their century partnership was broken, they could only manage an additional 26 runs for the next four wickets, leaving Australia at 237 for 9. In a surprising move, Australia declared their innings at that total.
India were already high on confidence after the first test victory at Chennai, thanks to attacking double century from their skipper MS Dhoni which we highlighted in Episode 3 of the The Border Gavaskar Trophy: Moments of Glory series – began their innings with an early loss of Virender Sehwag. However, Australia’s joy was short-lived as Cheteshwar Pujara and Murali Vijay batted resolutely, frustrating the Australian bowlers for nearly 110 overs. The hero, who had recently tied the knot, faced a great deal of expectation from his new family member, adding to the pressure on Pujara.
The First Battle: A War of Patience
The Australians charge in, delivering relentless pace and spin, but Vijay and Pujara didn’t flinch. Every ball is met with a disciplined defense, as though the world outside the boundary lines has ceased to exist. The crowd watches, mesmerized, as Pujara absorbs the pressure, playing with meticulous precision, watching the ball like a hawk. The Australian bowlers are sharp, relentless, and determined to break his resolve, but both the batters remained unmoved.
As the day progresses, something begins to shift. Pujara, who had been so resolute in defense, starts to find the gaps. The occasional ball rises to his bat, and he dispatches it with calm authority. A flick off his hips, a crisp drive through the covers—the bowlers are now on the back foot, unable to find a way through. What started as a battle of attrition turns into a battle of skill, as Pujara begins to unfurl his range of strokes, showing the world that there’s more to his game than just defense.
Into the Abyss: A Double Century of Resolve
As the day stretches into night, the energy on the field intensifies. Australia throws everything at Pujara—spin, pace, bouncers, and yorkers. But nothing seems to work. Pujara, like a master craftsman, picks each bowler apart. His timing is flawless, his defense unyielding, and his composure beyond measure.
Soon, he nears his double century. The crowd is on the edge of their seats, aware they’re witnessing something special. Pujara crosses the 200-run mark, and the stadium erupts in admiration. But again, there’s no grand celebration. For Pujara, this is just another moment of quiet achievement—a reflection of his true nature. Vijay, one of the most stylish batters played a perfect second fiddle to Pujara and scored 167 and stitched 370 runs marathon partnership with Pujara.
The Final Stand: Leaving the Field a Hero
After over 110 overs of batting, Cheteshwar Pujara’s momentous 204 comes to an end. The Australians, despite their best efforts, have finally gotten their man. As he walks off the field, the crowd gives him a standing ovation. His face betrays little emotion, but the respect for his endurance and mental strength is palpable.
Vijay was the first to be dismissed of the two, followed shortly by Pujara. India then built a commanding first-innings lead of 266 runs, which significantly dented Australia’s confidence. In response, Australia’s innings collapsed for just 131 runs. That made India win the test match by an innings and 135 runs.
Legacy of a Warrior
In the days that followed, Pujara’s remarkable 204 became legendary—a performance that not only defined the series but also marked an era. It was a display of patience, discipline, and mental resilience in the toughest format of the game, showcasing the true essence of Test cricket.
For Cheteshwar Pujara, it wasn’t merely about the runs; it was about embodying the spirit of Test cricket—standing tall when the odds are stacked against you. It was about enduring long hours, surviving the pressure, and ultimately flourishing—proving once again why he is regarded as one of the finest Test batsmen of his generation.
Also read,
The Border Gavaskar Trophy: Moments of Glory – MS Dhoni’s 224
The Border Gavaskar Trophy: Moments of Glory – Sachin Tendulkar’s 241*