Murali Vijay becomes the third Indian opener to score 10 or more tons in Tests

Everyone questioned his exclusion in the first Test and with a flabbergasting century on a comeback, Murali Vijay has made his intentions clear. One of the most fluent batters with a resolute technique, Vijay in full flow is quite a sight to watch. Batting was not getting easy on day 2, but Vijay and Pujara’s perseverance saved the day for India and ensured they didn’t collapse the way they did in the first Test.

The 33-year-old notched a 221-ball 128 on day 2, which includes 11 boundaries and a big six. After getting off to a slow start, he was the one who upped the ante initially against the spinners, before Kohli went bonkers in the final session. Pujara and Vijay added 209 runs for the second wicket and he was dismissed in an unfortunate manner towards the end of the day.

Murali Vijay’s career has been quite a dramatic one. After making his debut back in 2008 against Australia, where he registered scores of 33 and 41, not many believed that he has enough ability to last long in the Tests. His image as a specialist limited-overs player was one of the main reasons, but the way he morphed himself is simply outstanding.

After his debut, he lost his place in the squad and again made a comeback in 2010 during the unforgettable series against South Africa. Four Indian batters stroked centuries, which propelled India to a famous win at the Eden Gardens, which leveled the series after losing the first Test. He registered scores of 4 and 32 in the first Test and went unnoticed.

The Monk stamps his authority

Sehwag’s poor form came in as a blessing in disguise for the Tamil Nadu batsman. He smashed a terrific hundred in Hyderabad opening alongside Pujara in 2013 and post then, he has been an integral part of the unit. With KL Rahul just about stamping his authority with a hundred in his second Test match ever, Vijay’s spot was never really under threat, but injuries did bother him a lot.

In the Test series against South Africa in 2015, Vijay once again made a comeback from a long layout and scored a crucial 40-run knock on a track that turned right from the outset. His record in comeback matches hasn’t been that terrific, to be honest, but he has turned those tables around with a majestic hundred against the Lankans at Nagpur.

With this century, he joined an elite list of Indian players. He is the third Indian opener in Test cricket history to notch 10 or more centuries and is only behind two legendary names, Sunil Gavaskar and Virender Sehwag. “The Monk”, as they call him, has well and truly entertained the fans on the second day and now, he has 10 centuries and 15 fifties in 48 Test matches.