Cheteshwar Pujara vs Rohit Sharma- Statistical comparison after 67 Tests

Veteran Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara announced his retirement from all formats of Indian cricket on Sunday, August 24. The 37-year-old played a significant role in the longest format, representing India in 103 Test matches and scoring 7,195 runs at a solid average of 43.60. Known for his patience and technique, he became a vital figure in India’s batting lineup for over a decade.

Cheteshwar Pujara began his Test journey against Australia in October 2010 and fittingly ended it facing the same opponent in June 2023 at The Oval during the World Test Championship final. Throughout his career, he earned a reputation as one of the most dependable No. 3 batters in world cricket.

Pujara’s standout moment was the 2018-19 Australia series, amassing 521 runs across four Tests. His gritty performances helped India achieve their first-ever Test series win Down Under, cementing his legacy as Rahul Dravid’s worthy successor.

See Also: “As you bid goodbye to your first love….”- Wife Puja shares emotional tribute with memorable moments after Pujara’s retirement

Cheteshwar Pujara vs Rohit Sharma: A Statistical Showdown:

Following Cheteshwar Pujara’s retirement from Test cricket, a comparison of his numbers with Rohit Sharma’s at a similar stage offers an interesting perspective. While Rohit featured in 67 Test matches during his career, Pujara’s record at that point highlights the contrast in their roles and consistency. 

Looking at their performances side by side provides deeper insight into how both batters shaped India’s middle-order stability and overall contribution in the longest format.

• Cheteshwar Pujara vs Rohit Sharma – Comparing Runs Scored After 67 Test Matches:

By the time he completed 67 Tests, Cheteshwar Pujara had scored 5,233 runs at an impressive average of 49.83. A large portion of his success came against top opponents, reflecting his consistency.

Against Australia, he piled up 1,429 runs in 15 matches at 54.96, while he managed 1,339 runs in 18 Tests against England, averaging 44.63. Pujara also added 649 runs in seven Tests versus New Zealand at 54.08 and 613 runs in 11 matches against South Africa at 32.26.

Rohit Sharma concluded his Test career with 4,301 runs in 67 matches, maintaining an average of 40.57. His performances varied across opponents, with some standout series along the way.

He scored 1,147 runs in 14 Tests against England at an average of 47.79. Against Australia, Rohit made 739 runs in 15 matches at 28.42, while versus South Africa, he collected 738 runs in 11 Tests at 38.84. Additionally, he registered 515 runs in nine encounters with New Zealand, averaging 36.78.

• Cheteshwar Pujara vs Rohit Sharma – Comparing Test Centuries After 67 Matches:

At the 67-Test mark, Cheteshwar Pujara had built a strong record with 17 centuries and 20 half-centuries, averaging 49.8. His highest score in this phase was an unbeaten 206 against England in Ahmedabad in 2012.

Breaking down his hundreds, Pujara struck five against England, while Australia and Sri Lanka witnessed four each. He also registered two tons versus New Zealand and one each against South Africa and the West Indies, highlighting his ability to perform consistently against quality opposition across conditions.

Rohit Sharma concluded his Test career with 12 centuries and 18 fifties, showcasing his flair as a top-order batter. His highest score was a brilliant 212 against South Africa in Ranchi during October 2019. Out of his 12 hundreds, four came against England, while he struck three each against South Africa and West Indies, along with one apiece versus Australia and Sri Lanka, reflecting his versatility against varied opponents.

• Cheteshwar Pujara vs Rohit Sharma – Whose SENA record shines after 67 Tests? 

In his first 67 Tests, Cheteshwar Pujara featured in 24 matches across SENA nations, scoring 1,500 runs in 47 innings at an average of 32.60. During this phase, he registered four centuries and six half-centuries. Two of those tons came in Australia, while he scored one each in England and South Africa. His highest SENA score in that period was 153 at Johannesburg in December 2013.

Across his first 67 Tests, Rohit Sharma played 25 matches in SENA nations, amassing 1,268 runs from 49 innings at an average of 28.17. During this period, he recorded one century and six fifties. His lone hundred in these conditions came against England at The Oval in September 2021, where he struck 127. Earlier in the same series, he also played a crucial knock of 83 at Lord’s.

• Cheteshwar Pujara vs Rohit Sharma – Who excels more in winning causes?

In his first 67 Test appearances, Cheteshwar Pujara played a role in 38 of India’s victories. Across 63 innings in those matches, he accumulated 3,506 runs at an impressive average of 62.60. His consistency was highlighted by 12 centuries and 16 fifties, making him one of India’s most reliable batters. Interestingly, two of his hundreds came in games India lost, while three arrived in drawn encounters.

Rohit Sharma, on the other hand, featured in 36 Test wins for India. In 59 innings during those matches, he scored 2,985 runs at an average of 57.40. All 12 of his Test centuries and nine of his 18 fifties contributed to team victories, underlining his impact in crucial games. However, in 20 Tests that India lost, Rohit managed only 744 runs at a modest average of 18.60, including three half-centuries.