Veteran batter Virat Kohli penned a heartfelt message for Cheteshwar Pujara following Pujara’s retirement from all forms of Indian cricket. The Saurashtra batter had announced his decision on social media on Sunday, August 24th. Pujara had an illustrious career and hung up his boots on his own terms as tributes poured it from all quarters. The latest to join it was none other than Virat Kohli who formed some unbelievable partnerships with Pujara in the past.
Virat Kohli’s Heartfelt Message to Cheteshwar Pujara.Â
On Tuesday August 26th, Virat Kohli shared an Instagram story where he posted a special tribute for Cheteshwar Pujara. He wrote: “Thank you for making my job easier at 4 Puji. You’ve had an amazing career. Congratulations and wish you the best for what’s ahead. God bless @cheteshwar_pujara.”Â
Pujara represented India in 103 Tests, and amassed 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60 which includes 35 half-centuries and 19 centuries. He also appeared in 5 ODIs and scored 51 runs in those.
Throughout their careers, Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara shared the crease in 83 Test matches stitching together 3,513 runs at an average of 43.37, including 18 half-century stands and seven century partnerships.
Virat Kohli Played 123 Games Before Announcing Retirement Earlier This Year.Â
It should be noted for the record that Virat Kohli bid farewell to Test cricket on May 12th after featuring in 123 games. The former middle-order batting mainstay amassed 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, which included 31 half centuries and 30 centuries.
The Delhi-born cricketer had made the announcement through an Instagram writing: “It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket. Honestly, I never imagined the journey this format would take me on. It’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life. There’s something deeply personal about playing in whites. The quiet grind, the long days, the small moments that no one sees but that stay with you forever.”Â
He further added: “As I step away from this format, it’s not easy- but it feels right. I’ve given it everything I had, and it’s given me back so much more than I could’ve hoped for. I’m walking away with a heart full of gratitude – for the game, for the people I shared the field with, and for every single person who made me feel seen along the way. I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile. #269, signing off.”Â
The 36-year-old Virat Kohli now remains active only in ODIs at the international level apart from the IPL.
Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara were a formidable pair and one of the most dependable for India. They complimented each other really well as fire complimented ice. While Virat was the aggressor, Pujara was the monk and every team needed it. It was Pujara who made Virat Kohli what Virat was in Test cricket. As soon as Pujara’s form went downhill, Kohli too lost his form. Of course, COVID kicked in as well in that period. But these two held the two most important spots in the batting order.
In their prime both Kohli and Pujara were a delight to watch in more ways than one. Kohli might have been the more attractive player and Pujara the more sedate and boring, but it brought success to the Indian team. And with Rahane at 5, India’s batting was solid and great in the middle order and they all played their parts well in India doing well in the longest format. While Pujara was great, Kohli and Rahane were not far behind either.
The trio built a legacy for Indian cricket that would go onto dominate world cricket and leave an everlasting impression for generations to come. The future and current generation definitely looks up to Pujara and company for inspiration in order to succeed at the highest level of the game.
Also Read:Â IND VS WI: 3 Best Knocks Of Cheteshwar Pujara In Test Cricket