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‘Cheteshwar Pujara stood tall in the storm’: Gambhir, Sehwag, Laxman, Raina honour India’s retiring stalwart
India head coach Gautam Gambhir led the tributes for the retiring Cheteshwar Pujara.
Cheteshwar Pujara, one of India’s finest Test batters, ended his illustrious career on Sunday. The 37-year-old, who played 103 Tests, announced it on social media, prompting India head coach Gautam Gambhir to lead tributes for the retiring stalwart.
Pujara ended his career as India's eighth-highest run scorer in Test cricket, scoring 7195 runs at an average of 43.60, including 19 hundreds and 35 half-centuries throughout his career, with a highest score of 206*.
"He stood tall when the storm raged, he fought when hope was fading. Congratulations Pujji," wrote Gautam Gambhir.
The legendary Virender Sehwag hailed Pujara for this fabulous Test career: "Congratulations on a fabulous test career @cheteshwar1. Your grit, determination, and hardwork were inspiring, and you can be very proud of what you have achieved. Best wishes for a memorable second innings," Sehwag wrote on X.
Two-time World Cup winner Yuvraj Singh posted on his X handle, “Someone who always put his mind, body and soul for the country! Many congratulations on an outstanding career, Puji! See you on the other side! @cheteshwar1.”
Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh tweeted in praise of Pujara’s selfless, legendary, and inspirational cricketing career. "Cheteshwar Pujara – the unsung hero of Indian cricket. A player who always put the team before himself, who gave not just a hundred percent but everything possible for India. Your contribution to Indian cricket is immense and will be remembered for a very, very long time. Congratulations on a great career. I only wish you had been given the farewell you truly deserve, because players like you are nothing but respect and inspiration. Good luck with this next chapter—we’ll be waiting to see you on the other side of the game, with the mic in hand. Best wishes to you and your family. Lots of love," he wrote.
Pujara made his international debut in 2010 against Australia in Bengaluru. His most memorable performance came in India's historic 2018/19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series win in Australia, where he troubled the hosts with his solid defence and technique. Facing 1258 balls - the most by any touring batter in a four-match Test series in Australia - the 37-year-old scored 521 runs at 74.42 with three centuries. Four years later, he helped India win retain the title by scoring three fifties in eight innings.
Former teammate Ajinkya Rahane congratulated Pujara, cherishing their Test wins together. He wrote: "Congratulations Pujji on a wonderful career. Loved every moment of playing alongside you and will always cherish our special Test wins together. Best wishes for the second innings!"
Former India captain Anil Kumble, who coached an Indian side featuring Pujara, wrote: "Congratulations on a fantastic career! You have been a great ambassador of this wonderful game @cheteshwar1. We are all proud of all your achievements on the cricket field. You gave it your all for the team! It was a privilege to have worked with you and may you continue to shine in your second innings."
Veteran Indian seamer Venkatesh Prasad bowed to Pujara on his stellar career. He wrote: "An outstanding career @cheteshwar1. You must be mighty proud of what you achieved and wish you a very happy second innings."
Former Indian batter Suresh Raina added, "Congratulations brother @cheteshwar1 for amazing career! Good luck to you and family," Raina wrote in an X post.
Pujara joined former India captains Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma and spinner Ravichandran Ashwin from the same generation to quit Test cricket within the past nine months. Ashwin exited midway through the Australia series last year in December, while Rohit and Kohli made their announcements in a space of just seven days in May earlier this year, just days before the selection of the squad for the tour of England.
