Which Indian cricketer became the first from India to face more than 500 balls in a single Test innings?

Introduction / Context:
Test cricket rewards patience and concentration, and certain records highlight a batsman's ability to occupy the crease for long periods. One such record is the number of balls faced in a single innings. This question asks which Indian cricketer became the first from India to face more than 500 deliveries in a single Test innings, demonstrating exceptional perseverance and classical Test match batting.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The record relates specifically to balls faced by an Indian batsman in one Test innings.
• The key threshold is more than 500 balls.
• Options list Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, Karun Nair, Murali Vijay, and Rahul Dravid.
• We assume modern record tracking and that the question refers to a well publicised performance by Cheteshwar Pujara.

Concept / Approach:
Cheteshwar Pujara is known for his solid defensive technique and ability to bat for long periods. In a famous innings against Australia, he faced more than 500 balls, becoming the first Indian batsman to cross this milestone in a single Test innings. While Rahul Dravid and others also played very long knocks, none of their documented innings crossed this 500 ball threshold in the same way. Hence, the correct approach is to recall Pujara's specific record and select him from the list.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Note that the question focuses on balls faced, not runs scored.Step 2: Recall which Indian batsmen are most associated with long, patient innings: Rahul Dravid, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Murali Vijay.Step 3: Remember that Cheteshwar Pujara set the record of facing more than 500 balls in a single innings in a high profile Test match.Step 4: Verify that Virat Kohli and Karun Nair, though prolific scorers, are not primarily known for such ultra endurance innings.Step 5: Choose Cheteshwar Pujara as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
An alternative check involves recalling media commentary from the match where Pujara achieved this feat. Broadcasters and news articles emphasised that he had broken previous Indian records for balls faced in an innings and had crossed the rare mark of 500 deliveries. The innings was praised as a classic example of Test match application, helping India control the game and wear down the opposition bowling attack.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Virat Kohli is known for his high scoring rate and large centuries, but his typical style does not usually involve facing more than 500 balls in a single innings. Karun Nair scored a triple century in one famous Test but did so with a different tempo and did not cross the 500 ball threshold. Murali Vijay played long innings but did not set this specific record. Rahul Dravid, although nicknamed “The Wall” and famous for his patience, did not officially become the first Indian to face more than 500 balls in a single Test innings; that distinction belongs to Pujara according to modern records.

Common Pitfalls:
The main pitfall is to assume that Rahul Dravid holds every endurance related batting record for India due to his reputation. Another error is to focus on triple centuries and big scores rather than the number of balls faced. Candidates must remember that this question is about a modern record and that Cheteshwar Pujara, sometimes compared to Dravid, is the one who crossed this particular milestone.

Final Answer:
The first Indian cricketer to face more than 500 balls in a single Test innings is Cheteshwar Pujara.