He stood tall when the storm raged: Indian cricket fraternity hails Cheteshwar Pujara’s grit and resilience

Cheteshwar Pujara’s retirement on Sunday (August 24, 2025) evoked an outpouring of admiration from the cricketing fraternity with former teammates and coaches saluting his grit, determination and selflessness that defined his Test career.

Pujara, who played 103 Tests and scored 7195 runs at an average of 43.60, announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, drawing curtains on a career that epitomised resilience in the longest format.

“He stood tall when the storm raged, he fought when hope was fading. Congratulations Pujji,” India head coach Gautam Gambhir wrote on X.

Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh lauded Pujara’s commitment to the national team.

In Pictures | Cheteshwar Pujara, one of the foremost Test specialists in 21st century, retires

Former Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on August 24, 2025. Pujara is most remembered for India’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph in Australia in 2018 and 2020. He troubled Australia with his solid defence and technique.

In the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, he scored 271 runs from four matches at an average of 33.87, with three fifties and a best score of 77. In the final Test at The Gabba, he endured several body blows from Australian pacers on his body, making the win even more memorable.

Pujara was all about classical batsmanship marinated in Test whites. Pujara has played 103 Tests scoring 7,195 runs with 206 not out being his highest score. He has scored 19 centuries along with 35 half-centuries.

Solidity at the crease and a sense of dignity remained Cheteshwar Pujara’s special attributes.

In first class cricket, he has played 278 matches scoring 21,301 runs with 352 being his highest. His average in first-class cricket is 51.82. He has scored 66 centuries and 81 half-centuries.

The crowd’s raucous affection was reserved for Tendulkar and Kohli, while for Dravid and his successor Pujara, there was muted respect. Incidentally Pujara made his Test debut in Dravid’s hometown Bengaluru in 2010, and that too against Australia, an opponent he often defied through his storied career.

Cheteshwar Pujara also has played 71 T20 matches scoring 1,556 runs with 100 being his best.

In an age of bling, mighty sixes and hyperbole, Cheeshwar Pujara was an exception. The old-fashioned batter was eager to grind out attacks, took blows on his body, and often laid the foundation for his more effervescent team-mates like Virat Kohli to prosper.

Cheteshwar Pujara rings the five-minute bell before the start of the third day of the third Test match between India and England, at the Lord’s Cricket Ground, in London on July 12, 2025. Having moved into the commentator’s chair, an ultimate tribute was paid to Cheteshwar Pujara when Aussie speedsters, while talking to him on air, told him: “Good, not to bowl to you Puji.” They would know, as Pujara was a leading champion when India defeated Australia in its backyard in the 2018-19 series.

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“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!,” wrote Yuvraj.

Former India batter VVS Laxman recalled the defining moment of Pujara’s career, the series-clinching Test at the Gabba in 2021, when he endured several body blows.

“From the time I first saw Pujara and his potential, it was brilliant to see that potential translating into performance.

“His courage, grit and determination stood out and the body blows that he took in the Gabba Test we won against Australia symbolised Pujara the cricketer for me, willing to give everything he has for his country. Well done and wish you a happy and joyous second innings,” Laxman wrote.

Anil Kumble, who coached India during part of Pujara’s career, hailed him as a true ambassador of the game.

“Congratulations on a fantastic career! You have been a great ambassador of this wonderful game. 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! Best wishes to you, Puja, Aditi and your Dad. Well Done!!,” Kumble wrote.

Pujara’s long-time batting ally Ajinkya Rahane also paid a heartfelt tribute.

“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!” Rahane said.

BCCI underlined Pujara’s contribution to Indian cricket.

“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,” BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said.

“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,” he added.

Former India opener Virender Sehwag who also shared the dressing room with Pujara, also lavished praise on the champion batter.

“Congratulations on a fabulous test career Cheteshwar. Your grit, determination and hardwork was inspiring and you can be very proud of what you have achieved. Best wishes for a memorable second innings,” Sehwag said.

Former India all-rounders Suresh Raina and Irfan Pathan also chimed in with tributes.

“Cheers to a legend! It’s time to bid adieu to the incredible career of @cheteshwar_pujara You’ve given us countless memories,” Raina said.

“Your grit has always spoken before your name. Big congratulations on a wonderful career. Your aggression was visible in your defence and you’ve made India proud, Pujji. Wishing you the best for second innings,” Pathan said.