Ranji Trophy 2020: “It does feel special. It's a proud moment,” says Pujara after scoring 50th First-Class ton

Pujara achieved the landmark on the opening day of Saurashtra's Ranji Trophy clash against Karnataka.

Cheteshwar Pujara | Getty

Cheteshwar Pujara was over the moon after scoring his 50th First-Class century on the opening day of Saurashtra's Ranji Trophy clash against Karnataka in Rajkot on Saturday (January 11).

Pujara finished the day on 162 not out (17 fours and 1 six) to put Saurashtra in a commanding position (296/2 at stumps on Day 1).

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With this ton, Pujara entered an elite list of Indian batsmen with most number of First-Class hundreds. The legendary Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar are heading the list with 81 centuries each.

"It does feel special. It's a proud moment, although you don't want to look too much into your stats. At least while you are playing. Because even when I am batting I am hardly aware if I am nearing the 50 or 100," Pujara told ESPNcricinfo after the end of first day's play.

"I actually don't even remember the number of Test matches I have played and the number of runs I have scored. When someone else is discussing it, you come to know. At times (such records) also motivate you to work harder on your game. You start trusting your game even more because not many players have achieved this feat. You know that you have some talent, and you need to keep working on your game and continue doing the same things. And when such moments come in your career you feel, yes, for whatever you have done in the past you have got the results, and then there are the stats you can look at."

Pujara’s next Test assignment is the tour of New Zealand where India will be playing two Tests in Wellington (21-25 February) and Christchurch (29 February-4 March) after facing the Kiwis in five T20Is and three ODIs.

Asked if the timing of his record was a positive sign ahead of the tough challenge in New Zealand, Pujara said, "There is no right (or wrong) time, but yes, I would say it is always the right time when you are going abroad or if a big match is coming up. If you achieve such a thing before such tours, you feel confident and you start trusting your game again.

"That is because when you are going abroad and you are playing in challenging conditions, you need to trust your game, trust your preparation. And when something like this happens then you know that you need to continue doing whatever you have done in the past. And maybe work a little harder. It gives me the confidence that if I can do well in first-class cricket, then I can do it in any form of cricket. I've still got a lot in me, I still am young and I still have a lot to achieve in my career."

Pujara, who has presented India in 75 Tests so far, is only 31 and intends to play red-ball cricket for as much time as possible.

"Yes, it (the record) would (inspire me to keep playing FC cricket). But your priority is always to play Test cricket as much as possible. It is still a long way to go. Luckily I am young and I still love playing this format. Times are changing and white-ball cricket has become popular. But Test cricket is always special and it will always remain special. And let us hope it continues for as much time as possible."

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 12 Jan, 2020

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