India’s cricket legends celebrated Cheteshwar Pujara’s significant contribution to Test cricket following his retirement announcement on Sunday, marking the end of a decade-spanning international career.
Pujara participated in 103 Tests and five ODIs, with his last appearance for India in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia.
Debuting in 2010, Pujara amassed 7,195 Test runs at an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries.
The 37-year-old joins contemporaries like former captains Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and spinner Ravichandran Ashwin in retiring from Test cricket recently.
Pujara excelled at wearing down bowling attacks, with the 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy as a career highlight. During his 1258-ball effort, he scored 521 runs at 74.42, hitting three centuries, the highest in the series, leading India to their first Test series win in Australia.
“Pujara, seeing you at No.3 was always reassuring. You brought calm, courage, and a passion for Test cricket. Your technique, patience, and composure under pressure were team pillars,” wrote Sachin Tendulkar on X.
“The 2018 series win in Australia is a standout, and your resilience and match-winning runs were crucial. Congrats on a stellar career and best wishes for the future!”
India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir and other former cricketers also lauded Pujara’s career.
“He stood firm in adversity and fought when hope seemed lost. Congrats, Pujji,” Gambhir shared on X.
On Sunday, Pujara expressed his farewell, acknowledging “all good things must end.”
“Wearing the Indian jersey, singing the anthem, and giving my all on the field is indescribable,” Pujara posted on social media.
“As they say, all good things end, and with gratitude, I retire from Indian cricket.
“A boy from Rajkot, I dreamed of joining the Indian cricket team,” he continued.
“This game gave me invaluable opportunities, experiences, purpose, love, and the chance to represent my state and nation.”
Yuvraj Singh, a hero in India’s 2007 T20 and 2011 ODI World Cup wins, praised Pujara’s Test prowess.
“He always put everything into playing for the country! Congrats on an exceptional career, Puji! See you soon! @cheteshwar1,” Yuvraj wrote on X.
Pujara played five ODIs, but his defense and marathon innings made him a Test cricket asset.
His skills shone in 2018-19, helping India win their first Test series in Australia as player-of-the-series with 521 runs in seven innings.
Pujara batted for 11 hours in the opening Test in Adelaide, scoring 123 and 71, leading India to victory.
Former captain Anil Kumble praised Pujara as a great ambassador.
“Congrats on a fantastic career! You’ve been a great ambassador for this wonderful game @cheteshwar1,” Kumble, who coached Pujara, wrote on X.
“We are proud of your achievements. You gave everything for the team! It was a privilege to work with you, and may you shine in your next chapter.” (With inputs from Reuters)
