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Cheteshwar Pujara has made a compelling statement to the selectors ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The veteran batsman, currently sidelined from the India National Cricket Team, has been in scintillating form during the Ranji Trophy 2024-25, representing Saurashtra.

A Stellar Performance in the Ranji Trophy

In a recent match against Chhattisgarh in Rajkot, Pujara showcased his elite batting skills, scoring a remarkable double century. He brought up his 25th Ranji Trophy hundred off just 197 balls, surpassing Chhattisgarh’s first-innings total of 578/7d. This milestone marked his 66th First-Class century, putting him ahead of legendary batsman Brian Lara in the all-time list.

But Pujara wasn't done yet; he converted his century into an impressive double hundred, reaching 200 runs in 348 balls, thereby placing Saurashtra in a commanding position in the match.

Record-Breaking Achievements

Pujara's double century set several records in motion. He now stands just behind cricketing greats Don Bradman (37), Wally Hammond (36), and Patsy Hendren (22) for the most First-Class double centuries, with his tally reaching 18. Additionally, he has matched Paras Dogra’s record for the most double centuries in the Ranji Trophy, both holding nine each.

First-Class Records: A Snapshot

- Most First-Class Double Hundreds:

•   - 37 – Don Bradman
•   - 36 – Wally Hammond
•   - 22 – Patsy Hendren
•   - 18 – Cheteshwar Pujara

- Most Ranji Trophy Double Hundreds:

•   - 9 – Cheteshwar Pujara
•   - 9 – Paras Dogra
•   - 7 – Abhinav Mukund
•   - 7 – Ajay Sharma

Pujara also crossed the 21,000-run milestone in First-Class cricket during these innings, becoming the fourth-highest run-scorer among Indian players, trailing only Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, and Rahul Dravid.

First-Class Century and Run Leaders Among Indians:

- Most First-Class Hundreds:

•   - 81 – Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar
•   - 68 – Rahul Dravid
•   - 66 – Cheteshwar Pujara

- Most First-Class Runs:

•   - 25,834 – Sunil Gavaskar
•   - 25,396 – Sachin Tendulkar
•   - 23,784 – Rahul Dravid
•   - 21,115* – Cheteshwar Pujara

Red-Hot Form in 2024

Pujara has been in outstanding form in red-ball cricket, amassing 829 runs in the previous Ranji Trophy season with an impressive average of 69.08 across eight matches. In 2024 alone, he has scored six centuries in 16 First-Class matches, including games for Saurashtra and Sussex in the County Championship.

As the series against Australia approaches, Pujara's return to the Indian squad remains a point of speculation. His contributions were instrumental in India's last two Test series victories in Australia, where he was named Player of the Series in the historic 2018/19 series, scoring 521 runs in four Tests at an average of 74.42. His most recent appearance for India was in the final of the ICC World Test Championship 2023.

With performances like these, Pujara is certainly making a strong case for his inclusion in the national team.