Top 3 Test knocks by Indian batsmen this decade

#1 Cheteshwar Pujara (123 at Adelaide, December 2018)

Cheteshwar Pujara

Although one has to admit that Australia were a weakened side due to the absence of the suspended David Warner and Steve Smith over the ball-tampering fiasco, they had the best bowlers available for the series. That makes Cheteshwar Pujara’s contribution all the more telling.

Although Pujara hit two match-winning hundreds in the series, it is his 123 in the first Test at Adelaide that holds the most significance, as it set the tone of things to follow.

Electing to bat first after winning the toss, India needed to post a decent score on the board. However, they were soon 3 for 19 and later 86 for 5. At that stage, it seemed like the same old story of India fumbling away from home would play out again.

Pujara, of course, had different plans. He knuckled down and ensured India did not crumble completely. Occupying the crease for 376 minutes, he faced 246 balls for his masterful 123.

The knock featured seven fours and, rather uncharacteristically, two sixes. Pujara’s innings, which ended when he got run-out, ensured India touched 250.

Australia v India - 1st Test: Day 4

Unlike in the past, India possessed the bowling arsenal to trouble the opponents. Ishant (2/47), Jasprit Bumrah (3/47), Mohammed Shami (2/58) and Ravichandran Ashwin (3/57) combined brilliantly to reduce Australia to 235.

Pujara and Rahane then hit 70s in the second innings as India set the Aussies 323 to win.

Despite Shaun Marsh’s 60 and a commendable fightback by the lower order, Australia fell short by 31 runs. Bumrah, Ashwin and Shami shared three wickets each, but it was Pujara who laid the foundation of the memorable win and, in hindsight, the historic series triumph.