A Team India legend holds a bizarre record of scoring 1 run in 54 deliveries.
1 Run in 54 Balls— Which Team India Legend Holds This Bizarre Cricket Record? (Image Credits: BCCI X)
In an era shaped by T20 aggression, Test cricket still throws up mind-boggling tales of patience. One India legend once needed a staggering 54 balls just to score his first run in a Test innings — even slower than Rahul Dravid’s famous 43-ball wait — making it one of the most bizarre records in cricket history. So who holds the No.1 spot? Find out here.
It was during the third over of the third Test in 2018 in Johannesburg that Cheteshwar Pujara scored his first run by clipping one behind square as wild cheers followed. The right-handed batter let out a smile as did the Indian camp. Along with then captain Virat Kohli, Pujara was the only batter to muster a half-century as the tourists were bowled out for 187. Nevertheless, the Asian Giants had eventually won the match, defending a target of 241 on a surface that played plenty of tricks.
While Pujara is one of the slowest to open his account in Test cricket, the Indian record for the same is held by Rajesh Chauhan, who needed 57 balls to score his first run. The overall record is held by England's John Murray, who consumed 80 deliveries before his first run.
Pujara last played for the national team during the 2023 World Test Championship (WTC) final and didn't get a recall despite scoring heavily in the domestic circuit. As a result, the 38-year-old retired from all forms of Indian cricket in August 2025. He took to Instagram and wrote:
"As a little boy from the small town of Rajkot, along with my parents, I set out to aim for the stars, and dreamt to be a part of the Indian cricket team. Little did I know then that this game would give me so much - invaluable opportunities, experiences, purpose, love, and above all a chance to represent my state and this great nation. I would like to thank the BCCI, and Saurashtra Cricket Association for the opportunity and support through my cricket career. Am equally grateful to all the teams, franchises and counties I have been able to represent over the years."
Pujara has been working as a commentator for Star Sports.
