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Cheteshwar Pujara and Sunil Gavaskar (Source: Twitter)
Ace India batter Cheteshwar Pujara reached a major milestone during the second Test of the ongoing four-match series against Australia in Delhi. The 35-year-old batter became the 13th Indian player to play 100 Tests for the country. Just before the match in presence of his family, Pujara was felicitated by the India great Sunil Gavaskar. Pujara, who has been an integral part of the India Test squad for a decade, received a memento and guard of honour from his teammates.
Gavaskar gave Pujara a special cap as he achieved his 100th Test and gave a powerful speech praising the Indian batter. The former India captain lauded Pujara for "putting his body on the line" for the team and added that it appeared as if he carried the Indian flag whenever ‘he went to bat’ out.
“When we are playing as kids growing up, whether we are playing at home, down the streets and maidans, we all dream of playing for India. It's an unbelievable feeling and you want to do that over and over again. You need a lot of hard work, determination, and self-belief to lift yourself from lean periods, and then stay focussed on getting the job done. When you go out to bat, it's as if you're taking the India flag with you. You've put your body on the line for India,” Gavaskar said during the felicitation.
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— cricket fan (@cricketfanvideo) February 17, 2023
Sunil Gavaskar makes a special wish for Pujara
Speaking further, Gavaskar welcomed Pujara to the ‘100 club’ and wished that he scores a big century in the game. “You've taken the blows, you got up, and you made bowlers earn your wicket. Every single run you scored is a big plus for India. You've been a role model for what hard work, self-belief, and dreams can do. Welcome to the 100th Test club, and I wish and pray that you become the first Indian to score a big hundred in your 100th Test and lay the foundation for yet another win in Delhi,” said Gavaskar.
Although, India is leading the four-match Test series by 1-0 and will be willing to win in Delhi to retain Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the fourth consecutive year.