Virat Kohli Celebrates Cheteshwar Pujara's Remarkable Test Career

Virat Kohli Honors Cheteshwar Pujara's Career

Renowned Indian cricketer Virat Kohli extended his congratulations to fellow player Cheteshwar Pujara, who recently concluded an illustrious Test career. Kohli expressed gratitude for Pujara's contributions, particularly in easing his role as a middle-order batsman by effectively handling the new ball.

Pujara announced his retirement from international cricket on Sunday, wrapping up a commendable 13-year journey where he played a crucial role in facing the new red ball, thereby exhausting bowlers and facilitating smoother innings for the Indian middle-order. He made his international debut against Australia in Bengaluru on October 9, 2010, participating in 103 Test matches and accumulating 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60. Throughout his career, Pujara recorded 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries, with a personal best score of 206*. He also played five One Day Internationals (ODIs), scoring a total of 51 runs.

Kohli Praises Pujara's Exceptional Journey

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Kohli shared, "Thank you for making my job easier at 4, Pujji. You've had an amazing career. Congratulations and best wishes for your future endeavors. God bless."

Pujara's technique, determination, and consistency positioned him as a potential candidate to reach the prestigious 10,000-run milestone, a feat achieved by only three Indian players. His playing style, characterized by blocking and rotating the strike, often left bowlers fatigued and demoralized, allowing aggressive batsmen like Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja to capitalize on the older ball.

Pujara's Impressive Statistics

Since his Test debut in October 2010 until the World Test Championship final against Australia in 2023, only four players have faced more deliveries than Pujara's total of 16,217. These players include Joe Root (19,562), Alastair Cook (17,534), Steven Smith (16,495), and Azhar Ali (16,301), according to ESPNCricinfo.

In terms of runs scored, only Rahul Dravid has surpassed Pujara's tally for India at this position, with Dravid amassing 10,524 runs in 134 Tests, while Pujara has 6,529 runs from 94 Tests at an average of 44.41, including 18 centuries.

Beyond international cricket, Pujara has established himself as a domestic legend, accumulating over 21,301 runs in 278 first-class matches, with an impressive record of 66 centuries and 81 half-centuries.