Pujara's Record-Breaking Double Hundred Strengthens India Squad Contention for England Series

India's cricket maestro, Cheteshwar Pujara, delivered a stunning double-century for Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy, strengthening his case for selection in India's squad for the upcoming England series. Pujara's breathtaking innings of 243 off 356 balls showcased his prowess, fueling discussions ahead of the squad announcement.

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Cheteshwar Pujara, the seasoned Indian batsman, showcased his exceptional cricketing prowess by notching an outstanding double-century during a gripping encounter in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season. His remarkable performance unfolded for Saurashtra in a match against Jharkhand, where he brilliantly accumulated 243 runs off 356 balls. This innings was a testament to Pujara's exceptional batting skills, as he peppered the field with an impressive tally of 30 boundaries, making Day 3 of the clash an absolute spectacle.

Despite not featuring in India's recent World Test Championship cycle, Pujara's stellar show just before the Test squad announcement for the England series has turned many heads. His absence from the squad during the new cycle's engagements against West Indies and South Africa intensified the speculation surrounding his future selection. However, his resounding double-century now places him firmly in contention for the upcoming series against England.

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Pujara's innings not only highlighted his batting brilliance but also significantly contributed to Saurashtra's imposing total of 578/4 before their skipper, Jaydev Unadkat, declared the innings. The veteran cricketer achieved his monumental milestone in 317 balls, securing his double ton with a single off Shahbaz Nadeem's delivery on the leg side. By the end of Day 2, Pujara remained unbeaten on 157, steering his team to a commendable score of 406/4.

This exceptional feat marked Pujara's 17th first-class century, placing him alongside cricketing stalwarts Mark Ramprakash and Herbert Sutcliffe. With this accomplishment, Pujara now stands just behind the iconic names of the sport—Don Bradman, Wally Hammond, and Patsy Hendren—on the prestigious list of first-class centurions. Such a display not only solidifies Pujara's stature in the cricketing world but also presents a compelling case for his inclusion in India's squad for the imminent England series, sparking fervent discussions among cricket enthusiasts and experts alike.