Pujara most prolific for India in a season

Pujara added yet another feather to his cap as he broke a record.

The Saurashtra right-hander began with a boundary and in the process, he achieved the landmark for scoring the most runs in a Test season, surpassing the mark of 1269 by Gautam Gambhir which he achieved in the 2008/09 season.

In this season, it looked like Virat Kohli would comfortably go past the mark but he had a poor series against Australia in which he managed just 46 runs from six innings.

Pujara has enjoyed a phenomenal 2016-17. In the series against New Zealand in October, he smashed 373 runs at an average of over 74 with three fifties and one century. In the England series, he scored 401 runs at an average of 50 with two centuries to set up India’s 4-0 series triumph. In the one-off Test against Bangladesh, he slammed 83 while in the current series against Australia, he smashed 92 in Bangalore and 202 in Ranchi.

A little disappointed that I haven’t been able to convert the starts. It’s my responsibility to spend as much time in the middle and try and get big scores in the first innings.

Horrible execution for sure. I had batted for a long time and I thought I could take him (Cummins) on. The intent was right. (It) Did not go my way, maybe in the 2nd innings.

ELITE COMPANY

His Ranchi double ton put him in a prestigious list as he became only the third Indian player after Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman to smash two double centuries against Australia.

Pujara’s consistency has been pivotal in India’s dominant run and India will be hoping that he continues his good form.

Kohli always sets great examples and he leads from the front. We need to learn to put our hands up and take the pressure and the responsibility.