Our Bureau
Mumbai
This Sunday, on August 24th, one of the modern day greats of Indian Cricket, Cheteshwar Pujara bid his farewell to international cricket. Pujara, who was one of the backbones of the Indian Test Team for the better part of the last decade, announced his retirement after representing India in 103 Tests and scoring 7195 runs 19 centuries and a healthy average of 43 plus.
While addressing a press conference in his hometown after the big announcement, Pujara revealed that he has no regrets and feels very fortunate that he was able to represent the country. To everyone’s relief, Pujara ensured that he will be staying attached to the game through commentary and media work and will continue to support the Indian team.
“There are no regrets. I am very fortunate to have played for the Indian team for such a long time, not many players got that opportunity so I am very thankful to my family and people who have supported me,” Pujara told the reporters.
“I am really happy that I am calling this off but at the same time I will stay attached to the game. As a cricketer, I would like to stay associated to the cricket, doing commentary and I have started doing media work as well. I am not going to play cricket but I will be watching the Indian team and commenting on it. The honour will continue,” the star batsman added.
Those who follow cricket know Pujara’s contribution to Indian cricket was much more than the numbers showcase. The resilience and grit that he brought in the Indian team was unlike anyone else and for a long time Pujara became the shield that defended the Indian batting order from fiery bowling attacks.
One of the biggest examples of that was the two Border Gavaskar Trophies that India won and no one can deny Pujara was one of the biggest reasons behind those monumental victories. While talking about his career achievements Pujara also highlighted that this was the biggest achievement in his career.
“There have been many great moments on the field but if i have to single out one Test series on the Australian soil in 2018 was one of the best achievements of my cricketing career and one of the best memories for the India team as well,” Pujara said.
