Murali Vijay is an Indian batsman. He declared his retirement from international cricket on Monday. Vijay was a superb red-ball hitter and a major contributor to the squad, particularly on overseas travels. He was one of India’s most underestimated performers.
In tests, the Tamil Nadu batsman scored over 4000 runs, averaging 38.28 and amassing 12 tons and 15 half-centuries. In the longest format, he has had numerous notable collaborations with different players, with Cheteshwar Pujara being his constant companion.
Murali Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara made more runs for India than any other batting tandem in the ten years between the start of his Test career in November 2008 and his final Test participation in December 2018.
On that point, here are the three most noteworthy collaborations between Murali Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara.
3. 157 vs South Africa – Durban, 2013:
India faced South Africa in the second and last Test of the tour in Durban in 2013. It was Jacques Kallis’ farewell match. India was soundly defeated by ten wickets. The dependable international pairing of Vijay and Pujara maintained India in the chase.
India lost Shikhar Dhawan after a quick start after he won the toss and decided to bat. Then, Cheteshwar Pujara and Murali Vijay banded together to deal with the ferocious Proteas onslaught. They did so admirably, batting for more than 50 overs before Pujara sliced off Dale Steyn’s delivery after reaching 70.
His dismissal precipitated a downfall, with an unfortunate Murali Vijay being caught by Steyn in 97. Despite Ajinkya Rahane’s half-century, India’s final total of 334 was underwhelming given that they were 198/1 at one time.
Jacques Kallis’ excellent hundred helped South Africa reach 500 points. Steyn also made all-round efforts to help the Proteas win by 10 wickets, hunting down a meager score of 58.
2. 209 vs England – Rajkot, 2016:
Murali Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara carried on yet another brilliant batting show in India’s final Test match without Gautam Gambhir. The tourists played first in the first Test of England’s tour of India, amassing 537 runs on a decent track.
While Gambhir was unable to capitalize on his opening, falling after scoring a 72-ball 29, Pujara and Vijay worked together to get India’s innings started. The pair put up a 209-run collaboration, earning hundreds on the way. India scored 488 points in their first session.
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1. 370 vs Australia—Hyderabad, 2013:
Vijay and Pujara put together a 370-run partnership against Australia in Hyderabad in 2013. It maintains one of India’s finest Test partnerships.
Vijay and Pujara played jointly for more than 110 overs in the searing March weather on a spin and batter-friendly surface, forcing the Australian squad to toil after they managed to only produce 237 in their first session.
While Vijay scored 167 off 361 balls, Pujara scored 204 off 341 balls. While their rejections precipitated India’s downfall from 387/1 to 503 all out, the bowlers guaranteed they didn’t have to play again. The Indians defeated the Australians 4-0.
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