Veteran cricketer Virat Kohli shared an emotional note for Cheteshwar Pujara after the latter announced his retirement from all formats of Indian cricket. Pujara, the Saurashtra stalwart, revealed his decision through social media on Sunday, August 24. Two days later, on Tuesday, August 26, Kohli took to Instagram stories to post a heartfelt tribute for him, writing:
“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 featured in 103 Test matches for India, where he scored 7,195 runs at an impressive average of 43.60, registering 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries. He also played five ODIs, in which he managed 51 runs.
Across their international journeys, Kohli and Pujara batted together in 83 Test innings, accumulating 3,513 runs at an average partnership of 43.37, with 18 fifty-run stands and seven century partnerships.
Virat Kohli Secures 123 Caps In Glorious 14-Year Test Career
On May 12 earlier this year, Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket after playing 123 matches. The former batting mainstay accumulated 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, registering 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. The Delhi-born star revealed his decision via an Instagram post, stating:
“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.”
“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,” he added.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.
