There’ll by no means be one other Cheteshwar Pujara. For the particular outpour of gratitude and commemoration of his companies after his retirement announcement from all types of Indian cricket on Sunday, it may be stated that it will likely be tough to a different cricketer within the mould to proceed the legacy of India’s Take a look at No. 3.
By the point Rahul Dravid hung up his boots in March 2012, Pujara was able to take over the grinding position at one among Take a look at cricket’s most revered and thankless batting positions. Pujara returned to take over in a full-fledged position at quantity three from August 2012 and went on to safe a dominant run for the subsequent six years within the position. The Saurashtra stalwart etched batting data of all types on the First-Class degree for any facet he represented. Ending as India’s second-highest run-scorer at quantity three behind Dravid, Pujara’s 66 first-class centuries are additionally solely surpassed by a handful of Indian legends in Sachin Tendulkar (81), Sunil Gavaskar (81) and Dravid himself (68). Former India opener and home stalwart Wasim Jaffer hailed Pujara as a particular batting specimen and the “final of a sort”.
Pujara stays the one Indian batter to face 500 deliveries in an innings and racked up greater than 22,000 runs in his red-ball profession throughout 20 years since his debut at Rajkot in 2005.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir wrote on X, hailing Pujara “He stood tall when the storm raged, he fought when hope was fading. Congatulations, @cheteshwar1.”
Thanks pujji bhai ❤️🇮🇳 @cheteshwar1 pic.twitter.com/xhJs6I67rt
— Shubman Gill (@ShubmanGill) August 24, 2025
“Congratulations on a incredible profession! You’ve got been a fantastic ambassador of this excellent recreation @cheteshwar1. We’re all pleased with all of your achievements on the cricket area. You gave it your all for the crew! It was a privilege to have labored with you and will you proceed to shine in your second innings!” wrote former India captain Anil Kumble, on X.
A number of different India legends and contemporaries took to social media to appreciated Pujara’s iconic profession than resulted in June 2023 within the World Take a look at Championship remaining towards Austalia.
Rishabh Pant on Pujara
From Sydney to the Gabba and past, a few of my finest recollections got here batting alongside you. I’ll all the time treasure our partnerships & your contribution to Indian cricket.Congratulations on a outstanding Take a look at profession, Pujji bhai & wishing you the perfect forward.🙌@cheteshwar1#RP17 pic.twitter.com/N4m1uOPkCt
— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) August 24, 2025
Ajinkya Rahane on Pujara
Congratulations Pujji on an exquisite profession. Liked each second of enjoying alongside you and can all the time cherish our particular Take a look at wins collectively. Finest needs for the second innings!
— Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) August 24, 2025
Yuvraj Singh on Pujara
Somebody who all the time put his thoughts, physique and soul for the nation! Many congratulations on an impressive profession Puji! See you on the opposite facet! @cheteshwar1 pic.twitter.com/gbpscDGFZd
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) August 24, 2025
VVS Laxman on Pujara
From the time I first noticed Pujara and his potential, it was good to see that potential translating into efficiency. His braveness, grit and dedication stood out and the physique blows that he took within the Gabba take a look at we gained towards Australia symbolised Pujara the cricketer for… pic.twitter.com/HsM54bVRVa
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) August 24, 2025
Virender Sehwag on Pujara
Congratulations on a superb take a look at profession @cheteshwar1 .
Your grit ,dedication and hardwork was inspiring and you may be very pleased with what you have got achieved. Finest needs for a memorable second innings. pic.twitter.com/xtQZPnGo2W— Virrender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 24, 2025
Wasim Jaffer on Pujara
First of his identify, final of his form. Take a bow on a stellar profession @cheteshwar1 🙌🏻 You need to be mighty pleased with what you achieved donning the India cap. Congratulations and all the most effective for what’s to return 🤗 pic.twitter.com/JURHSo3QIG
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) August 24, 2025
Irfan Pathan on Pujara
Your grit has all the time spoken earlier than your identify @cheteshwar1 Massive congratulations on an exquisite profession. Your aggression was seen in your defence and also you’ve made India proud, Pujji. Wishing you the most effective for second innings.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) August 24, 2025