2022/08/Cheteshwar-Pujara-sportstiger.jpg

Indian Test batter Cheteshwar Pujara is highly regarded as one of the technically sound batters in world cricket. Due to his defensive batting abilities, Pujara is often called the new 'Wall' of Indian cricket, the term which was famously used to define the batting prowess of former Indian cricketer and current head coach of Indian team Rahul Dravid.

The batter who once took 53 balls to get off the mark in the Johannesburg Test against South Africa and etched his name as the batter who took the most number of balls to open his account, surprised everyone with his blitz knock for Sussex during the Royal London One-Day Cup tie against Warwickshire. During the chase of 311, Sussex required 70 off last 36 deliveries when Pujara turned on his beast mode as he smashed England pacer Liam Norwell for 22 runs in an over en route to his rapid century.

While innovating his batting style, Pujara smashed 4, 2, 4, 2, 6 and 4 in the over to close down the gap for Sussex. With the help of seven boundaries and two sixes in his innings, Pujara smashed 73-ball century for Sussex before being dismissed by Oliver Hannon-Dalby for 107 off 79 deliveries. However, Pujara's incredible effort went in vain as Sussex fell short by just four runs in the match.

For Warwickshire, Rob Yates' incredible 114 off 111 deliveries and half century from wicket-keeper batter Michael Burgess, and Krunal Pandya's three-wicket haul helped their side to register nail-biting victory in the Group-A tie and move to the fourth spot in the table with five points from three games. At present, Sussex is currently at sixth position with four points from as many games.