Hyderabad, Aug 23: Cheteshwar Pujara gave India hope for the future with his maiden century on Thursday that took the hosts to 307-5 at stumps on the opening day of the first test against New Zealand.
The 24-year-old Pujara, one of two replacements for retired stalwarts Rahul Dravid and V.V.S.Laxman, was unbeaten on 119.
Batting at No.3, Pujara shared a 125-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Virat Kohli (58).
Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was also undefeated at the close on 29.
Pujara, who played the last of his three previous tests in January 2011, struck one six and 15 fours.
Sachin Tendulkar was bowled by Trent Boult (2-63) on his first international appearance since becoming a Member of Parliament.
