Cheteshwar Pujara concluded his glorious Test career on August 24 after serving Team India in red-ball cricket for 14 years. During his long stint, he was instrumental in India’s success in overseas Test victories.
His notable achievement came in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2018-19, when India beat Australia by 2-1 and clinched their maiden series triumph played Down Under. Pujara was the Player of the Series as he emerged as the highest run-getter in the tournament, scoring 521runs in seven innings of four games. A week following the legendary batter’s retirement, India Prime Minister Narendra Modi penned an appreciation letter for him.
In the long note, the Prime Minister hailed Pujara for gracing Test cricket during the epoch of T20 Internationals (T20I). Modi also remembered Pujara's contribution to India’s Test win in Australia in 2018-19. “In an age dominated by shorter formats of cricket, you were a reminder of the beauty of the longer format of the game. Your unflappable temperament and ability to bat long hours with great concentration made you the fulcrum of the Indian batting line-up. Your outstanding cricketing career is dotted with moments of remarkable skill and resolve, especially in challenging conditions overseas. For example, fans will always remember instances like the Tests in Australia, when you laid the foundation for India's historic first-ever series win on Australian soil!,” read a part of Modi’s letter to Pujara.
Cheteshwar Pujara expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister
Cheteshwar Pujara took to Instagram and shared Narendra Modi’s appreciation letter. The 37-year-old also thanked the Prime Minister for recognising the former’s effort for Team India. “I was honoured to receive a letter of appreciation on my retirement from our Honourable Prime Minister. The warm sentiments expressed are much appreciated,” wrote Pujara in the reply to the Prime Minister.
Cheteshwar Pujara made his debut for Team Indiain 2010 against Australia in the Test match played in Bengaluru. In his debut game, he played a superb 72-run knock in the second innings and guided India to a seven-wicket win. He is also the eighth highest run-scorer for India in Tests with 7195 runs in 176 innings of 103 games.
