The second Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Delhi from February 17 will mark veteran India batter Cheteshwar Pujara’s 100th appearance in the longest format of the game.

Ahead of the match, India head coach Rahul Dravid heaped praise on Pujara, saying that the milestone of 100 Tests is a reflection of longevity and many other things.

"It is a big achievement for any player. Yes, you need talent but you need lot of other things. It's a reflection of your longevity and many other things. Your fitness, your resilience, ability to handle success and failure," Dravid, who has represented India in 164 Tests, told reporters on February 15.

Pujara will become the 13th Indian to play 100 or more Tests, having made his debut in 2010 against Australia.

Dravid also hailed India’s No. 3 batter for handling the ups and downs in his career brilliantly.

"When you play 100 games, it's not possible that you haven't seen ups and downs. You need to clear obstacles and bear the pain when you are down and play different kinds of bowling, various questions are asked on and off the field.

"To play 100 Tests, you need minimum 10 years and he has played for 13-14 years. It is a tribute to his skill which is there but so many other things are also there," the coach said.

In 99 Tests so far, Cheteshwar Pujara has aggregated 7021 runs at an average of 44.15 with 19 hundreds and 34 half-centuries.

"He is a very popular player. We are all so happy that he has got this opportunity to pay 100 Tests and he will do well in future also not just this game.

"In the last 10 years, Cheteshwar Pujara has played some very important knocks for the country which has won us matches and series. We are happy to celebrate this moment with him," Dravid remarked.

(With PTI Inputs)