India’s former legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar reckons Cheteshwar Pujara is one of the underrated players of the current team. Pujara has been a long servant of Indian cricket in Test matches and he has delivered time and again in tough conditions for the team.

The right-hander has scored 7014 runs in 98 Test matches at an average of 44.39 and he is currently taking part in the first Test match against Australia at the VCA, Nagpur.

Pujara has been delivering consistently for the Indian team in the recent past and he will look to continue the good show for the Rohit Sharma-led team.

“I feel Pujara’s achievements aren’t recognized enough and his importance in the team isn’t recognized enough, generally,” said Tendulkar while talking to PTI.

“He has played magnificently for the country and his contribution has been immense in whatever success the Indian cricket team has had,” Tendulkar added.

Pujara is going to hold the key for India in the ongoing four-match Test series against Australia. The right-hander has been solid while batting at number three for the national team and he will look to continue the good show.

Meanwhile, India was able to put themselves in front as Australia was bowled out for only 177. Ravindra Jadeja, who was making a return to action after a long break of five months, took five wickets and conceded only 47 runs. Jadeja was right on the money with his line and length and got the big wickets of Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, who both were taking the game away from India.

Subsequently, India scored 77-1 before the end of the day’s play. Rohit Sharma scored his 15th Test century while KL Rahul was dismissed by Todd Murphy for 20 runs. India is only trailing by 100 runs and they will look to continue the good show on Day 2.