Pujara brought the curtains down on his impressive India career last week.
Cheteshwar Pujara 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.
The 37-year-old 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 Trophy triumphs on Australian soil in 2018-19 and 2020-21.
Pujara’s last appearance for India was in 2023 during the World Test Championship Final against Australia at The Oval. Subsequently, he fell out of favour with the national selectors.
Despite not being part of India's Test set-up, Pujara continued playing Ranji Trophy for Saurashtra and county cricket for Sussex. However, he was ignored for the challenging tours of Australia and England.
A week after his retirement, Cheteshwar Pujara shared a letter he received from Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauding him for a memorable career.
In his letter, PM Modi mentioned that despite being a prominent Test stalwart, Pujara made it a point to play first-class cricket.
“I was honoured to receive a letter of appreciation on my retirement from our Honourable Prime Minister. The warm sentiments expressed are much appreciated. While I venture into my second innings, I cherish every memory on the field, and all the love and appreciation I have received. Thank you Sir," Pujara posted on X.
Here’s the complete letter
Dear Cheteshwar,
I learnt about your decision to retire from all forms of cricket. Following the announcement, there has been an outpouring of appreciation from the fans and the cricketing fraternity about your remarkable achievements. I convey my heartiest congratulations and warmest greetings on a spectacular cricketing career.
In an age dominated by shorter formats of cricket, you were a reminder of the beauty of the longer format of the game. Your unflappable temperament and ability to bat long hours with great concentration made you the fulcrum of the Indian batting line-up.
Your outstanding cricketing career is dotted with moments of remarkable skill and resolve, especially in challenging conditions overseas. For example, fans will always remember instances like the tests in Australia, when you laid the foundation for India’s historic first-ever series win on Australian soil! Standing tall against one of the most potent bowling attacks, you showed what it meant to shoulder responsibility for the team.
There have been many series victories, centuries, double centuries and accolades in your career. But no numbers can capture the sense of calm that your presence gave to fans and teammates, that the team’s fate was in safe hands. This is truly your abiding legacy that goes beyond mere numbers.
Your passion for the game was also reflected in the fact that even while being an international cricketer, you made it a point to play first-class cricket, whether it was for Saurashtra, or abroad. Your long association with Saurashtra cricket and your contribution to putting Rajkot on the cricketing map will remain a source of immense pride for every youngster in the region.
I am sure that your father, a cricketer himself as well as your mentor, is proud of you. Puja and Aditi must be delighted to be able to spend more time with you. They have all made great sacrifices to support you along the way.
Beyond the field, your in-depth analysis as a commentator continues to add great value to cricket enthusiasts, who look forward to hearing your insights. I am confident that you will keep yourself associated with the game and inspire budding cricketers.
Best wishes for your journey ahead.
Warm regards,
Yours,
(Narendra Modi)