Cheteshwar Pujara Falls for 99, Ajinkya Rahane Departs on 96 in Ranji Trophy 2024-25

The star Indian red ball experienced player, Cheteshwar Pujara nearly reached his 67th century in the Ranji Trophy. Pujara was playing for Saurashtra against Assam at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot. Pujara was dismissed by the allrounder Mukhtar Hussain on 99 runs and missed his century.

Pujara faced 167 balls in his innings and scored 99 runs, which included 10 fours. Another star Mumbai batter Ajinkya Rahane also dismissed for 96 runs against Meghalaya and missed his century. 

- Cheteshwar Pujara dismissed for 99 runs.

- Ajinkya Rahane dismissed for 96 runs.

Two Legends of Indian cricket missed out well deserving Hundreds in Ranji Trophy ⭐ pic.twitter.com/beg7bVhtGi

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 31, 2025

Saurashtra won the toss and elected to bat first against Assam on a turning pitch. The openers of Saurashtra Harvik Desai and Chirag Jani have given a great start with their solid batting. Harvik Desai scored 130 runs and Chirag Jani scored 80 runs and made a strong 146-run partnership in less than 30 overs. 

By the time Pujara came to batting the foundations were well set. Pujara played with patience, absorbed the pitch conditions, and frustrated the Assam bowlers with his ability to leave the outside deliveries and he found the gaps effortlessly to score runs on Day 1.

Cricket is full of surprises and Pujara faced one of the toughest ones. He started the Day 2 innings with his usual calmness but he dismissed for 99 runs. Pujara's knock has put his team Saurashtra in a strong position against Assam.

Both the star experienced and composed players Rahane and Pujara played crucial innings for their teams, Mumbai and Saurashtra. Their excellent knocks came in a must-win situation to qualify for the playoffs.

ALSO READ: IND vs ENG: Match Prediction 2025: Dream11 Teams, Playing XI & Who Will Win Today's Match