RANJI TROPHY 2017-18

Didn't realise I had broken a 70-year-old record: Cheteshwar Pujara

by Soumitra Dasi • Last updated on

Pujara now has most double centuries in Indian first-class cricket after his 204 against Jharkhand in Ranji Trophy 2017-18. © BCCI

Cheteshwar Pujara, who has been on a record-breaking spree in the last few years, has added yet another awe-inspiring feat to his long list of achievements. In the just concluded Ranji Trophy match against Jharkhand, the Saurashtra batsman and skipper led from the front, rescuing his team from a tricky situation and went on to score his 12th first-class double century. As a result, he broke Vijay Merchant's 70-year-old record to emerge as the Indian with most double hundreds in first-class cricket.

He's now on top of the elite list that includes Vijay Hazare, Sunil Gavaskar and Rahul Dravid. Excerpts:

Has the feeling sunk in yet?

Initially, I wasn't aware that I had broken a 70-year-old record. I was relaxing after a long day and it was only after someone tagged me on Twitter that I realised I had achieved something so special. There are some very big names in that list, who have been absolute legends of the game and inspired my generation. I really feel humbled and very honoured that I will be remembered along with these greats in the long run.

What made it even more special was that I was playing in Rajkot, my hometown, and my father was at the ground to watch me play.

You didn't score a 50 in your last 10 first-class innings. Were you under pressure?

Not really because I was playing county cricket in England, where the conditions are pretty challenging for batsmen. I have been pretty happy with the way I have progressed in the last few months and considering the fact that we have a Test series coming up shortly (against Sri Lanka), this double century has come at the right time. As long as I am happy with my preparations and I am putting in my 100% in the nets, I don't get worried if I have a few bad days.

How much do these milestones mean to you?

I have never played for records and at this stage of my career, I don't want to attach a lot of importance to statistics. At the same time, it's always great to know that your efforts are yielding such great results. I am sure that when I hang up my boots and look back at my career in the long run, I will really cherish these moments. But for now, I don't want to rest on my laurels because I feel I still have a long way to go. No professional sportsperson should feel content even after a special performance because there is always scope for improvement. I take a lot of pride in representing India and I want to win as many matches for my country as possible.

© TNN

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