Top 5 batting performances in the Indian home season of 2016-17

#2 Cheteshwar Pujara – 202 v Australia, Ranchi

Pujara’s steady and patient knocks have helped India get out of tricky situations

Pujara’s 672-minute vigil, where he played out 525 balls against a high-quality Australian bowling attack, and adding a record-breaking 199 runs for the seventh wicket with Wriddhiman Saha in the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar series is a testimony of his grit, temperament and endurance.

Although there was some criticism for his slow scoring that pushed the Indian declaration further, one needs to understand that Pujara’s toil and slow scoring was largely because India was one batsman short and he was the last man standing. Australia had batted first and scored 451, an excellent score after having won the toss.

India were in more than a spot of bother at 328 for 6, still trailing by 123 runs on a pitch where batting last could’ve been tricky.

Pujara’s double ton ensured India piled on 603 as he batted out session after session to exacerbate the Australian agony, giving India a healthy lead of 152 runs. Although the match ended in a draw, the Saurashtra batsman prevented Australia from geting away with the match.