The 142-run stand off 380 balls wore down the opposition who had a slight edge after reducing Saurashtra to 206 for five on the opening day.

Pujara, who had returned from New Zealand only a couple of days ago, came in to bat at six instead of his usual number four spot (for India it is number three) due to a throat infection.

Avi Barot and Vishvaraj Jadeja struck gritty half-centuries before Bengal pacer Akash Deep struck late in the final session to leave Saurashtra at 206 for five at stumps on Monday.

Cheteshwar Pujara, who returned to Saurashtra for the final of the Ranji Trophy against Bengal, walked off the field after facing 24 deliveries.

Bengal will take on Saurashtra in the final of the Ranji Trophy, who are bolstered with the arrival of Cheteshwar Pujara.

Indian Test cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara will play for Saurashtra in the final of the Ranji Trophy.

Both, Rahane and Pujara had a poor outing in the recently-concluded tour to New Zealand.

Virat Kohli, who is known to take the attack back to the opposition camp, wants some of his batsmen to follow his leads.

Kyle Jamieson had a dream debut as he got the wickets of Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara on Friday with some fantastic bowling.

In just six overs in the opening session of the first Test under the cloudy skies in Wellington, the 6'8" fast bowler made a dream start to his Test career with wickets of both Cheteshwar Pujara and Indian skipper Virat Kohli

Pujara was one of the consistent performers for India when they last visited Australia and Hazlewood feels Pujara's wicket will be the biggest of all.

Cheteshwar Pujara's spell with Gloucestershire is set to be his fourth county stint, following spells at Derbyshire (2014), Yorkshire (2015 and 2018) and Nottinghamshire (2017).

Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Hanuma Vihari and Rishabh Pant scored big runs in the three-day warm-up game against New Zealand XI.

Pujara hailed ICC's decision to introduce World Test Championship, saying it has made the traditional format of the game more competitive.

Hanuma Vihari made 101 off 182 balls before retiring, while Cheteshwar Pujara scored 93.

Ahead of the crucial game on Sunday, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Vijay Shankar and Wriddhiman Saha sent their best wishes to the youngsters through a video which was posted by BCCI.

ICC took part in the Facebook, Tinder, Instagram, LinkedIN challenge and posted photos of Steve Smith and Cheteshwar Pujara.

Team India's Test team mainstay Cheteshwar Pujara turned 32 on Saturday and was wished by a happy birthday by Sachin Tendulkar and his current teammates.

India's Test regular Cheteshwar Pujara turned 32 on Saturday, and cricketers took to Twitter to wish the batsman on his birthday.

Pujara, who on Saturday joined a select group of cricketing greats by smashing his 50th first-class century, is already the Indian player with most first class double centuries when he scored his 12th double ton in 2017 to go past Vijay Merchant.