Indian batting great Virat Kohli penned an emotional tribute to his long-time teammate Cheteshwar Pujara, who recently announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.
Kohli’s message was not just a congratulatory note—it was a heartfelt acknowledgment of how Pujara’s grit and patience at No. 3 made life easier for him at No. 4.
On Instagram, Kohli wrote:
“Thank you for making my job easier at 4, Pujji. You’ve had an amazing career. Congratulations and wish you the best for what’s ahead. God bless @cheteshwar_pujara.”
Pujara: India’s Wall at No. 3
Often called the “new Wall” after Rahul Dravid, Cheteshwar Pujara was the backbone of India’s Test batting order for more than a decade. With his old-school technique, immense patience, and mental toughness, Pujara blunted the world’s best fast bowlers and gave stability to India’s top order.
- Test Career: 103 matches, 7,195 runs, 19 centuries, 35 fifties, average of 43.60.
- First-Class Cricket: Over 21,300 runs—one of the highest tallies in modern cricket.
For many fans, Pujara was more than just a batsman—he was the man who absorbed pressure and protected his teammates from fiery bowling spells.
Kohli and Pujara: A Partnership Built on Trust
The chemistry between Pujara and Kohli was one of Indian cricket’s strongest assets. Their contrasting styles—Pujara’s patience and Kohli’s aggression—often complemented each other beautifully.
- The duo batted together in 83 Test innings.
- They scored 3,513 partnership runs with seven century stands.
- Their average partnership was a solid 43.4, reflecting their consistency.
Every time Pujara wore down the new ball and the opposition bowlers, Kohli walked in with the freedom to dominate. Kohli himself admitted that his success at No. 4 would not have been possible without Pujara’s resilience at No. 3.
One of Pujara’s most memorable contributions came during the 2018–19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. He scored 521 runs in seven innings, earning the Player of the Series award.
His marathon knocks in Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney were instrumental in India winning their first-ever Test series Down Under.
Again, in the 2020–21 tour, Pujara faced over 900 deliveries across four Tests, enduring body blows but refusing to give up. His efforts allowed young stars like Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill to script a historic series win at the Gabba.
These performances not only won India matches but also cemented Pujara’s reputation as the ultimate team player.
What set Pujara apart was not just his numbers but his attitude. While flamboyant stroke-makers grabbed the headlines, Pujara quietly did the dirty work—grinding out sessions, frustrating bowlers, and building platforms for his teammates.
As Ravichandran Ashwin said after his retirement: “Pujara’s contribution to Indian cricket is no less than that of Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma.”
Kohli’s Tribute: Respect Beyond Cricket
Kohli’s words underline the respect he holds for Pujara. Their partnership symbolized the essence of Test cricket—teamwork, patience, and resilience. For Kohli, who thrived at No. 4, Pujara’s presence at No. 3 was more than support; it was a foundation that allowed him to flourish.
As India transitions into a new era, fans will miss Pujara’s calm presence at the crease. But his legacy, built on selflessness and grit, will inspire the next generation of cricketers.
Kohli–Pujara Partnership Stats in Tests
| Partnership Stat | Numbers |
|---|---|
| Innings Batted Together | 83 |
| Total Runs Scored | 3,513 |
| Average Partnership | 43.4 |
| 100+ Stands | 7 |
| 50+ Stands | 18 |
| Highest Partnership | 222 runs (vs England, 2012) |
Virat Kohli’s Test Stats in Matches Played with Cheteshwar Pujara
| Stat Category | Numbers |
|---|---|
| Matches Together | 98 |
| Innings Played | 168 |
| Runs Scored | 7,174 |
| Batting Average | 49.1 |
| Centuries (100s) | 27 |
| Half-Centuries (50s) | 28 |
| Highest Score | 254* vs South Africa (2019, Pune) |
Cheteshwar Pujara’s Test Stats in Matches Played with Virat Kohli
| Stat Category | Numbers |
|---|---|
| Matches Together | 98 |
| Innings Played | 164 |
| Runs Scored | 6,579 |
| Batting Average | 44.0 |
| Centuries (100s) | 17 |
| Half-Centuries (50s) | 32 |
| Highest Score | 206* vs England (2012, Ahmedabad) |
In Shorts:
Cheteshwar Pujara may have retired, but his impact on Indian cricket is everlasting. Virat Kohli’s tribute summed it up best—without Pujara’s shield at No. 3, Kohli’s fire at No. 4 wouldn’t have burned as brightly.
For fans, Pujara will always remain the unsung hero of India’s golden Test era—a silent warrior who made greatness possible for others.
