• Source:JND
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Out of favour batter Cheteshwar Pujara on Monday slammed his 25th Ranji Trophy hundred in the second round for Saurashtra against Chattisgarh in Rajkot.

Pujara's timely century served as a strong reminder to India's selectors ahead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. This ton marked his 66th in First-Class cricket, further solidifying his reputation as a prolific run-scorer in the domestic arena.

Batting on Monday, Pujara scored a century in 197 balls as Saurashtra chased Chattisgarh’s 578/7d first-innings total.

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Pujara, one of the most stalwart and disciplined batters in contemporary cricket, also etched his name in the history books as he scored his 66th first-class century, overtaking Brian Lara’s tally in the format.

The Indian batter, who is currently playing in the Ranji Trophy, also completed 21,000 runs while batting in Round 2.

Pujara is the fourth-highest run-getter and century-maker in first-class cricket among Indians, only after Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid.

Pujara achieved another milestone in his illustrious first-class career, surpassing 21,000 runs in his 273rd match.

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Despite being sidelined from the Indian Test team since last year's World Test Championship final against Australia, Pujara has maintained his exceptional form in the red-ball circuit. His prolific run-scoring continued in the previous Ranji Trophy season, where he amassed 829 runs at an impressive average of 69.08 across eight matches.

Most First Class hundreds (Indians)

81 – Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar

68 – Rahul Dravid

66 – Cheteshwar Pujara

Prior to the Ranji season, Pujara showcased his prowess in England's County Championship, representing Sussex. His notable performances included two centuries, highlighted by an impressive 129 at Lord's against Middlesex, contributing to his overall tally of 501 runs.