IND vs AUS: Cheteshwar Pujara Takes Record 14 Blows on His Body During Gabba Test
Cheteshwar Pujara survived several blows to the body to play a defining knock that helped India beat Australia in Brisbane.
India’s series victory in Australia was achieved after a lot of struggle. And it wasn’t always a battle between the bat and the ball, because Cheteshwar Pujara quite literally put his body on the line.
Cheteshwar Pujara surviving the fiery spells from the Australian pace bowlers became the highlight of the fifth day of the fourth Test at The Gabba.
While he registered his slowest ever Test fifty on Tuesday, it played a vital role in allowing the likes of Shubman Gill, Ajinkya Rahane and Rishabh Pant to play freely.
There was virtually nobody part of Pujara that didn’t get hit by delivery as he received at least eleven blows on his body. But it didn’t break his resolve as he set up a famous win for India at Brisbane in the fourth Test.
Pujara has been hit on the body 11 times, including three times on the helmet, as he fought to save the Border-Gavaskar trophy for his nation.
According to The CricViz Analyst, Pujara was hit on the body or the helmet for 14 times in the entire series, making it a record for body blows received by a batsman in a single series.
After registering the historical win, Pujara took to Twitter to post his reaction. He appreciated the Indian unit for showing the immense character and skill to beat the Aussies in their own backyard.
“Overcome with emotion and filled with pride. The character & skill shown by the entire squad has been commendable. Moments like these make the countless hours of toil and practice truly worth it. Thank you for all the support and wishes. #TeamIndia #InItTogether”
Pujara played a gritty inning, holding one end up as first Gill and then Pant hit the fifties to see India home. Even coach Ravi Shastri backed Pujara and squashed any debates that had erupted after the batsman’s slow approach in the game.
“We are not interested in any debates,” said Shastri in the virtual press conference.
