Cheteshwar Pujara's masterful 123 at Adelaide Oval on Day 1 of the first Test is definitely one of the best knocks at the highest level and should assure the right-hander a place in the team for atleast another year in the Virat Kohli led Indian side, said batting legend Sunil Gavaskar.

It was an astonishing exhibition of what mind over matter is all about, as Pujara showcased ample grit and unfazed character through an effort that had fortitude written all over it.

India's affable no.3 struck his 16th Test hundred and helped his team attain some sense of respectability with their score of 250/9 by the end.

He fought the situation when his teammates weren't as good as him in overcoming their intent and will definitely keep this one close to his heart, having exemplified excellent concentration and a lot of character.

"This strike rate debate can apply when you are playing against weak opposition. When you are playing against quality attacks like Australia, South Africa, and England, you don't talk about strike rates," Gavaskar told India Today, when asked about the baffling question marks in the dressing room over Pujara's striking ability, "That's when you look at how many runs are scored and how they are. You may score a 20 run knock at a strike rate of 200 or score a first ball six, register a strike rate of 300 and get out but how does that help the team in a Test match."

"This strike rate debate is okay for limited overs cricket. With this knock, he has cemented his place for at least a year. Look sometimes even with a player like Cheteshwar Pujara, when he is having technical issues or struggling with incoming balls and getting out, lbw, consider dropping him."

"Because that's when one gets time to work on shortcomings. And it hurts when you are out and the return is purposeful. But he is a very crucial player for this Test unit. We have seen in the last year, he has to often come in with the first wicket falling early," he added.

The 69-year-old further stressed the importance of Pujara, who is now only the third Indian behind Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli to have scored a hundred each in South Africa, England and Australia since 2001, and said, "So he is also a half opener who has to play the new ball. He can make those adjustments. He is someone who drops anchor when things are (going) tough."

"Ask anyone and they will value his contributions. Pujara is the reason India is still in with a chance of winning the Test match," he concluded.