Cheteshwar Pujara to captain Saurashtra in Ranji Trophy opener

The 2017-18 Ranji season kicks off on October 6 and all teams are looking to put the best foot forward. The Saurashtra team management has named Cheteshwar Pujara as the skipper for the first match. It is known, that their regular skipper, Jaydev Shah will not take part in the first match since he is getting married.

Saurashtra team will be eyeing to start the season with a win under the captaincy of new skipper Pujara. On the other hand, the India Test No.3 will look forward to taking it as an opportunity and prove his stature as a captain. Also, he will look to utilize his International experience while captaining his state team.

Addressing media ahead of their first match, Himanshu Shah, SCA media manager said, “The senior selection committee meeting of Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA) was held today. They selected 15 members for the first game. Pujara has been named as captain and Robin Uthappa will play for Saurashtra this season”, told PTI.

“Jaydev Shah, who has been captaining Saurashtra since over last one decade will miss the opening game due to his marriage, which is on October 5,” added Shah.

Pujara’s astonishing numbers 

In the domestic circuit, Pujara has been one of the most consistent batsmen who looks to stick on the wicket and play a long innings for his side. His hunger for big runs is quite evident when he plays for the national side and looks to exhibit some of those features he is known for in first-class cricket.

Pujara seems to be a proper example who gives much importance to conventional methods. He has played 51 Test matches and has scored over 4,000 runs at an average of 52.65. In his short career, he has already hit 13 hundred and three double hundred, which speaks volumes about his temperament, character and persistence.