Cheteshwar Pujara, a name synonymous with grit, resilience, and unwavering focus, recently retired from all forms of Indian cricket, bringing an end to a remarkable career that spanned over a decade. Known for his classic, defensive Test match batting style, Pujara became the backbone of India's Test batting lineup, earning the moniker of "the new Wall" after Rahul Dravid.
Pujara's Test debut came on October 9, 2010, against Australia in Bengaluru. While he scored only 4 runs in his first innings, he proved his mettle in the second innings, crafting a vital 72 off 89 balls while batting at No. 3 to help India chase down a target of 207 and win the match. That innings provided a glimpse of things to come and demonstrated his potential as a Test player.
His career truly took off after Rahul Dravid's retirement in 2012 when he cemented his place at the crucial No. 3 position. In the same year, Pujara announced himself to the world with a monumental, unbeaten 206 against England in Ahmedabad. Facing a strong England attack, he showcased exceptional patience and precise shot selection, batting for over 500 minutes. This innings not only secured a win for India but also announced Pujara's arrival as a long-format specialist.
Pujara continued to build his reputation as a reliable Test batsman with another double century against Australia in Hyderabad in 2013, scoring 204. He formed a massive 370-run partnership with Murali Vijay, solidifying his place as a key component of India's batting lineup.
The 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia was arguably the defining moment of Pujara's career. He amassed 521 runs in the series, including three centuries, and was named Player of the Series. His marathon innings in the Sydney Test, where he scored 193, played a crucial role in India's historic first-ever Test series win on Australian soil. His ability to wear down the Australian bowlers was a key factor in India's success.
Another memorable innings that showcased Pujara's resilience was his 56 off 211 balls in the fourth Test at the Gabba in Brisbane during the 2020-21 series. Facing a barrage of short-pitched deliveries, he weathered numerous blows to his body, frustrating the Australian bowlers and paving the way for India's remarkable victory. This innings exemplified his courage and determination to put his body on the line for his team.
Pujara also played a crucial role in the Sydney Test of 2021. Chasing a daunting 407 for victory, India's main objective was to survive the final day. Pujara's 77 off 205 balls, enduring relentless pressure from the Australian attack, was central to India's brave rearguard. His resilience allowed Rishabh Pant to launch a counterattack, followed by a gritty partnership between Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin that secured a hard-fought draw.
In his 103-Test career, Pujara has scored 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, with 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries. He is the eighth-highest Test run-getter for India. Known for his exceptional powers of concentration and solid technique, Pujara faced 16,217 balls in Test cricket, the fifth-most by any player. In first-class cricket, he has scored over 21,000 runs with 66 centuries. Only Rahul Dravid has scored more runs than Pujara at the No. 3 position for India in Test cricket. His highest Test ranking was number 2, which he achieved after his double century against Australia in March 2017.
Cheteshwar Pujara's career is a testament to the power of perseverance, dedication, and a classic Test match temperament. He will always be remembered as a warrior who exemplified the values of Test cricket and made invaluable contributions to Indian cricket.
