Pujara represented India in 103 Tests, scoring 7195 runs at an average of 43.60 with 19 tons.
Legendary batters Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar showered rich praise on Cheteshwar Pujara after the Test stalwart brought the curtains down on his impressive India career on Sunday (August 24).
A pillar of India’s Test team for over a decade, Pujara’s calm presence and unwavering focus made him one of the most dependable batters of his generation.
Pujara represented India in 103 Tests, scoring 7195 runs at an average of 43.60 with the help of 19 hundreds and 35 half-centuries. The highlight of his career was the critical role he played in India’s Border-Gavaskar triumphs on Australian soil in 2018/19 and 2020/21.
Speaking to TOI, Gavaskar paid a rich tribute to Pujara, calling him an “old-school cricketer” who always put India first.
Gavaskar further stated that the veteran campaigner copped countless blows without taking a step back, and urged Indian cricket to use his experience to inspire the next generation.
"One of the old-school cricketers who put India above everything else. Took endless blows for Indian cricket but never took a backward step. Hopefully, Indian cricket will use his experience and expertise to teach young budding cricketers that whatever they become in life is because of Indian cricket and it should come above anything and everything," Gavaskar said.
"Take a bow, Cheteshwar. You have made India proud," he added.
On the other hand, Tendulkar shared a note on social media, acknowledging Pujara's legacy at No. 3 for India.
“Pujara, it was always reassuring to see you walk out at No.3. You brought calm, courage, and a deep love for Test cricket every time you played,” Tendulkar wrote on X.
“Your solid technique, patience, and composure under pressure have been a pillar for the team. Out of many, the 2018 series win in Australia stands out, it wouldn’t have been possible without your incredible resilience and match-winning runs. Congratulations on a wonderful career. Good luck for the next chapter. Enjoy your second innings!” he further remarked.
Beyond his international exploits, Pujara built a monumental legacy in domestic cricket. In 278 first-class appearances, he aggregated 21,301 runs at an average of 51.82, including 66 centuries and 81 fifties.
A true red-ball specialist, Pujara also left a big mark in List A cricket, scoring 5759 runs from 130 matches with 16 tons and 34 half-centuries.