There will never be another Cheteshwar Pujara. For the special outpour of gratitude and commemoration of his services after his retirement announcement from all forms of Indian cricket on Sunday, it can be said that it will be difficult to another cricketer in the mould to continue the legacy of India’s Test No. 3.
By the time Rahul Dravid hung up his boots in March 2012, Pujara was ready to take over the grinding role at one of Test cricket’s most revered and thankless batting positions. Pujara returned to take over in a full-fledged role at number three from August 2012 and went on to secure a dominant run for the next six years in the role. The Saurashtra stalwart etched batting records of all kinds at the First-Class level for any side he represented. Finishing as India’s second-highest run-scorer at number three behind Dravid, Pujara’s 66 first-class centuries are also only surpassed by a handful of Indian legends in Sachin Tendulkar (81), Sunil Gavaskar (81) and Dravid himself (68). Former India opener and domestic stalwart Wasim Jaffer hailed Pujara as a special batting specimen and the “last of a kind”.
Pujara remains the only Indian batter to face 500 deliveries in an innings and racked up more than 22,000 runs in his red-ball career across 20 years since his debut at Rajkot in 2005.
‘Reassuring’
Batting legend Sachin Tendulkar lavished praise on Pujara’s inimitable qualities as a No. 3 batter in his social media post, highlighting the 2018/19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy where he stood vital to India’s historic 2-1 triumph.
Pujara, it was always reassuring to see you walk out at No.3.
You brought calm, courage, and a deep love for Test cricket every time you played.Your solid technique, patience, and composure under pressure have been a pillar for the team. Out of many, the 2018 series win in… pic.twitter.com/p0mWKfD9zm
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 24, 2025
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.”
Thank you pujji bhai ❤️🇮🇳 @cheteshwar1 pic.twitter.com/xhJs6I67rt
— Shubman Gill (@ShubmanGill) August 24, 2025
“Congratulations on a fantastic career! You have been a great ambassador of this wonderful game @cheteshwar1. 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!” wrote former India captain Anil Kumble, on X.
Several other India legends and contemporaries took to social media to appreciated Pujara’s iconic career than ended in June 2023 in the World Test Championship final against Austalia.
Rishabh Pant on Pujara
From Sydney to the Gabba and beyond, some of my best memories came batting alongside you. I will always treasure our partnerships & your contribution to Indian cricket.Congratulations on a remarkable Test career, Pujji bhai & wishing you the very best ahead.🙌@cheteshwar1#RP17 pic.twitter.com/N4m1uOPkCt
— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) August 24, 2025
Ajinkya Rahane on Pujara
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!
— Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) August 24, 2025
Yuvraj Singh on Pujara
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! @cheteshwar1 pic.twitter.com/gbpscDGFZd
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) August 24, 2025
VVS Laxman on Pujara
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… pic.twitter.com/HsM54bVRVa
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) August 24, 2025
Virender Sehwag on Pujara
Congratulations on a fabulous test career @cheteshwar1 .
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. pic.twitter.com/xtQZPnGo2W— Virrender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 24, 2025
Wasim Jaffer on Pujara
First of his name, last of his kind. Take a bow on a stellar career @cheteshwar1 🙌🏻 You should be mighty proud of what you achieved donning the India cap. Congratulations and all the best for what’s to come 🤗 pic.twitter.com/JURHSo3QIG
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) August 24, 2025
Irfan Pathan on Pujara
Your grit has always spoken before your name @cheteshwar1 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.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) August 24, 2025
