Ranking the top 5 cricketers of January 2021

4.Cheteshwar Pujara

If you had seen the 3^rd and 4^th Test matches that took place between India and Australia this month, you will definitely understand why this man’s name is in the list. Cheteshwar Pujara frustrated the Australian bowlers in both the Tests, proved to be solid, and kept the kangaroos at bay for hours together.

In the first innings of the third Test, India’s No.3 consumed 176 balls to score 50 runs. And then, came his crucial contribution in the second innings. With India set an improbable target of 407 for victory in the second innings, and with them required to bat out around four full sessions for a draw, Pujara stood up to the task. The batting maestro resolutely faced 205 deliveries, scored a vital 77 and helped India to pull off a sensational draw.

In the fourth Test, Pujara’s contributions again proved to be vital. In the second innings of the final Test, India had a target of 328 for victory. Pat Cummins bowled a barrage of bouncers to Pujara and he got hit on literally every part of his upper body. But still, Pujara did not give up. He forged a match winning partnership of 114 runs for the second wicket with Shubman Gill and contributed 56 crucial runs to the total, and helped India to beat the Australians at The Gabba.