Cheteshwar Pujara achieved his seventeenth double-century in first-class cricket throughout the inaugural spherical of the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy season in opposition to Jharkhand. Starting the day at 157 not out, Pujara surpassed the 200-run mark within the morning session of the third day, reaching an unbeaten 236 by lunch. At the break, Saurashtra stood at 566 for 4, boasting a commanding lead of 424 runs.
This accomplishment places Pujara within the firm of Herbert Sutcliffe and Mark Ramprakash, every with 17 first-class double centuries. He trails behind the likes of Don Bradman (37), Wally Hammond (36), and Patsy Hendren (22) within the total rely. Notably, Pujara now holds the document for the second-highest variety of double-hundreds within the Ranji Trophy, securing his eighth spot, simply behind Paras Dogra’s 9. (‘Rohit Sharma Will Be Captain Of Team India For T20 World Cup 2024:’ Former India Cricketer Aakash Chopra)
Additionally, Pujara has recorded three first-class triple-centuries, along with his most up-to-date one in opposition to West Indies A in October 2013.
Checkout the fan reactions right here:
CHETESHWAR PUJARA IS BACK…
He begin his 2024 with a powerful Double hundred in Ranji trophy 2024 first match – What a Legend. pic.twitter.com/hrtWZE5heN
 CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) January 7, 2024
Cheteshwar Pujara – One of the best pink ball gamers ever.
 What a participant, Absolute Legend.. pic.twitter.com/RO8eHw469M
 CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) January 7, 2024
seventh January 2019 : Cheteshwar Pujara will get awarded Player of sequence for scoring 521 runs as India safe a historic Test sequence win in Australia
seventh January 2024 : Cheteshwar Pujara scores a double century for Saurashtra as he appears to be like to make a comeback in Indian workforce pic.twitter.com/b5EYQvthZt
 Arnav Singh (@Arnavv43) January 7, 2024
A memorable innings by Cheteshwar Pujara….
 First match of Ranji season, returning to his state facet after being dropped from the Test workforce and scoring unbeaten 243 runs from 356 balls. A knock to recollect in his FC profession. #AUSvsPAK #INDvSA #INDvsSA #SAvIND #SAvsIN pic.twitter.com/TbX8qKH39F
 CrickologyNews (@CrickologyNews) January 7, 2024
Earlier, Saurashtra, who had bundled out Jharkhand for a paltry 142 on the opening day with Chirag Jani taking his maiden five-for in First-Class cricket, are in full management after having taken a 264-run lead with opener Harvik Desai (85), Sheldon Jackson (54) and Arpit Vasavada (68) being the opposite notable contributors.
Overnight batters Harvik and Jackson did not final lengthy on day 2, although the duo managed a 108-run partnership for the second wicket to provide the hosts a great platform to construct on.
Pujara discovered the gaps and infrequently punished the free deliveries, consuming 239 deliveries for his 157 that was studded with 19 boundaries. His 146-run partnership with Vasavada helped the hosts publish an imposing whole, one which might assist them win by an innings and garner a bonus level.
Jharkhand bowlers have been woefully ill-equipped to match the batting prowess of the workforce led by India pacer Jaydev Unadkat with all their six bowlers going for loads of runs. (With PTI inputs)