Over the years, Indian Test cricket has seen many great batters play long, hard-fought innings. From Rahul Dravid’s calm centuries to Sunil Gavaskar’s solid defence, India has always admired players who can spend hours at the crease. But when it comes to patience and endurance, no one stands out more than Cheteshwar Pujara.
In March 2017, during the India vs Australia Test in Ranchi, Pujara created history by facing 525 balls in a single innings, the most ever by an Indian in Test cricket.
Pujara’s Epic Innings in Ranchi
- Match situation: Australia had scored 451 in their first innings. India were under pressure at 91/2 when Pujara walked in.
- The marathon: He batted for more than 11 hours (672 minutes), scoring 202 runs off 525 balls.
- Partnership: Pujara shared a 199-run stand with Wriddhiman Saha, which helped India reach 603 and take control of the match.
- Result: The Test ended in a draw, but Pujara’s effort ensured India did not lose and he was named Player of the Match.
This knock was not about quick runs but about discipline, focus, and breaking the bowlers’ spirit. It remains a perfect example of how Test cricket is a battle of patience as much as skill.
Other Big Indian “Marathon” Innings by Balls Faced
| Rank | Player | Run | Ball Faced | Opposition | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cheteshwar Pujara | 202 | 525 | Australia | Ranchi |
| 2 | Rahul Dravid | 270 | 495 | Pakistan | Rawalpindi |
| 3 | Navjot Singh Sidhu | 201 | 491 | West Indies | Port of Spain |
| 4 | Ravi Shastri | 206 | 477 | Australia | Sydney |
| 5 | Sunil Gavaskar | 172 | 472 | England | Bengaluru |
| 6 | Rahul Dravid | 217 | 468 | England | The Oval |
| 7 | VVS Laxman | 281 | 452 | Australia | Kolkata |
| 8 | Rahul Dravid | 233 | 446 | Australia | Adelaide |
| 9 | Sunil Gavaskar | 221 | 443 | England | The Oval |
| 10 | Anshuman Gaekwad | 201 | 436 | Pakistan | Jalandhar |
Why Pujara’s Record Matters
- Mental toughness: Playing 525 balls means staying strong and focused at the crease for more than a whole day.
- Team first approach: His innings was not flashy, but it was exactly what India needed to save the match.
- Rare in modern cricket: In an era of fast scoring and T20 influence, such patience is uncommon.
Conclusion
Cheteshwar Pujara’s 202 in Ranchi is not just India’s record for most balls faced in a Test innings, it is also a reminder of what makes Test cricket special. The ability to fight, to wait, and to value every single delivery is what separates the greats from the rest. For Indian fans, this innings will always be remembered as the ultimate example of grit and determination.
Written by Kinjal Walantra
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