Last Update: February 17, 2023, 10:03 IST
Cheteshwar Pujara pulled out of Team India for guard of honor (Twitter/BCCI)
Cheteshwar Pujara gets a special cap from Sunil Gavaskar on the occasion of his 100th Test for India
Cheteshwar Pujara on Friday became the 13th cricketer from India to play 100 Test matches as he walked out of the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi for a guard of honour.
Earlier, ahead of the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Pujara was presented a special cap by Sunil Gavaskar along with his family and teammates.
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“It is an honor to receive this cap from you, legends like you have inspired me (on receiving the cap from Sunny ji). i wanted to play for India But as a young player, I never thought that I would reach 100 Test matches. Test cricket is the ultimate format for me, it challenges you just like life,” Pujara said at the presentation.
“To all the youngsters, I encourage you all to work hard to play Test cricket for India. I would like to thank my wife, my family, everyone at BCCI and all my teammates who have supported me throughout this journey.”
India vs Australia: 2nd Test, Day 1 – Live
Australia captain Pat Cummins won the toss and decided to bat first against India. The visitors made a few changes, with spinner Matthew Kuhnmann handed the debut and Travis Head also back in the playing XI. Matthew Renshaw and Scott Boland miss out.
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Australia are playing with just one fast bowler, their captain Pat Cummins.
Suryakumar Yadav made way for a fit-again Shreyas Iyer in the Indian playing XI.
At the time of the toss, Indian captain Rohit Sharma praised Pujara for reaching this point.
“We’re all thrilled for him and it’s a big occasion and his family is here. A hundred Test matches ain’t easy but he sticks to his plan and he’s come a long way.”
India lead the four-match series 1-0 after winning the first Test in Nagpur by an innings and 132 runs.
(with inputs from agencies)
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