The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) complimented Cheteshwar Pujara on a great career marked by tenacity, patience, and unwavering dedication to the longest form of the game.
Pujara’s retirement marked the end of a renowned era in Indian cricket, one known for his classical batting style, unrivalled concentration, and ability to steady India in difficult situations. His entrance at the crease offered stability, consistency, and the confidence of a fighter who would not give up easy.
Pujara made his Test debut against Australia in 2010. He went on to represent India in 103 Tests, scoring 7195 runs at an average of 43.60, with 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries. While the statistics indicate his significant contributions, Pujara’s true impact was his ability to absorb pressure, block world-class attacks, and anchor India’s most memorable victory. He became a bridge between periods, upholding the ideals of discipline and patience while adjusting to the game’s modern demands.
At home, his centuries strengthened India’s fortress; abroad, his defiance inspired the team to believe that unlikely Test victory were conceivable.
Among his many noteworthy performances at home, his 92 against Australia in Bengaluru in 2017, his epic 206* against England in Ahmedabad in 2012, and his twin double centuries of 204 and 202 against Australia in Hyderabad and Ranchi stand out.
He stood firm in away tests, frequently in the most difficult conditions. In the 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, he scored 521 runs and faced over 1200 balls to help India win its first series down under. He made his intentions apparent by batting for nearly 11 hours in the first Test in Adelaide. On the next tour, his 56 in Brisbane in 2021, where he faced a torrent of hostile bowling, created the groundwork for India’s memorable victory at the Gabba and demonstrated his bravery and tenacity.
Devajit Saikia, Honorary Secretary, BCCI, said:
“Cheteshwar Pujara’s career is a shining example of perseverance and selflessness. He personified the spirit of Test cricket. His ability to grind opposition attacks and his immense powers of concentration made him the bulwark of India’s batting. He showed that it was possible to succeed at the highest level while staying true to traditional values of the game. His commitment to Indian cricket, both at the international and domestic level, has been outstanding. We thank him for everything he has given to the game and to the country.”
India
