r/Cricket • u/Odd-House3197 Albania • 1d ago
News Cheteshwar Pujara retires from all forms of Cricket
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u/MempuraanIsBack 1d ago
Thank you, Pujara. For making us believe that there is still room for the traditional, attrition batting in cricket.
He has over 7000 runs from 100+ teat matches that suggest a superb career. Still I feel that there could have been more. If only he let gp of his own shyness on the pitch. He used to be a much more free flowing batter at the beginning of his career, but it seems as time went by he started limiting himself. Probably he took his role as the wall at mo.3 extremely seriously and wanted to cut down on the risks as much as possible. This was especially evident in the last 3-4 years pf his career.
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u/Otherwise-Yogurt3092 1d ago
Yeah man the skills and technicality he has , one would wish he had atleast 10K runs 🫠🙃.. But no issues , the impact he had is beyond stats and should be remembered always
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u/MempuraanIsBack 1d ago
Like all good Indian batters brought up on FC cricket, he had a good technique against spin.
On the faster, flatter and true surfaces of Australia, he thrived on two basic things - ability to leave the balls on a length and using his own body as a primary line of defense.
Elsewhere his lack of skill was exposed, especially in NZ, Eng and SA where he could not get away with just leaving the balls. His extreme reluctance to play shots (especially towards the end of his career) meant that he could not do anything meaningful despite spending time on the crease.
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u/LevDavidovicLandau 1d ago
In England he did well on the county circuit, so it just goes to show the difference in class between the county game and Test cricket.
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u/scraglor Melbourne Stars 1d ago
As an Aussie, let me tell you the dread of him walking out to the middle had a real impact. Sad to see him go.
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u/Jon55mcc England 1d ago
Big love to Puji from Sussex. His approach to traditional test cricket made Sussex a better team. What a player.
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u/WaynneGretzky Delhi Daredevils 1d ago
Probably last of the stars to purely make it on the basis of first class cricket.
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u/vishwa02 Chennai Super Kings 1d ago edited 1d ago
They don't make test cricketers like him anymore. Pujji The Wall.
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u/chubbyurma Australia 1d ago edited 1d ago
I don't care how many runs you score, or your average - if you have the mental and physical integrity to repeatedly bat for days straight, you're a legend in my eyes.
Even now, with the game moving faster than ever, it's still a spectacle to watch someone stonewall their way through a session.
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u/MSRishab007 India 1d ago
Frankly it's even more useful in today's cricket. I'm sure India would love to have someone even half as good as Pujara at number 3.
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u/sgt_mofo Queensland Bulls 1d ago
I'm an Aussie and I just loved the way he played, I felt like he had a lot more scoring ability in his prime compared to Dravid, and was just very patient in when to play his shots.
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u/partymsl India 1d ago
That Test era between 2014-2022 was just beautiful and had everything to build up a No.1 test team not only at home but also away as Koach promised.
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u/Smooth-Mix-4357 India 1d ago
The body blows he took in the Gabba Test lives rent free in my mind
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u/scraglor Melbourne Stars 1d ago
This was only second to the flogging wade copped in the ashes
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u/Outrageous-Watch-947 India 1d ago
Kohli, Pujara and Rahane. These 3 were so fucking great man all had such bad ends to their test careers!
Nonetheless pujji you are a legend always will be
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u/partymsl India 1d ago
Kohli, Pujara and Ashwin down...
Rahane and Shami, Ishant unofficially done too.
I just cant man.
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u/Artaxerxes_IV 23h ago
Ikr that was the core of the team from late 2015 to late 2021, during which India were far and away the best Test team in the world. W/L 2.86 (next-best NZ 1.86), 2nd highest batting avg. 36.30 (after NZ 36.96), and best bowling avg. 24.70 (next-best SA 26.77). One of the greatest Test teams; not quite the level of WI or Aus of the past, but up there alongside SA of 2008-14 and ahead of Eng 2011-14.
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u/Royal-Character-9215 1d ago
Rahane was not in the same league as the other two tbh
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u/Meet_7834 Royal Challengers Bengaluru 1d ago
True but he had his fair share of great innings
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u/ElClashico India 1d ago
Kohli-Rahane 370-odd run partnership at MCG signalled the start of a new era for ICT in away tests.
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u/HillsHaveEyesToo United Arab Emirates 1d ago
During his peak, he was regularly scoring in foreign pitches, while everyone else was struggling.
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u/No_Jello_2520 1d ago edited 1d ago
Rahane was better than the two, esp in overseas until 2016..after that it all went downhill... consistency dropped.. tho he still stepped up on most occassions when the team was in trouble and needed a recovery but those inns aren't remembered coz he wouldnt convert those 50s,60s,70s into 100s and in between those were low scores. Still a legend of Indian cricket in my books for leading that inexperienced team in Aus from 0-1 down to a historic 2-1 series victory.
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u/99_Just-A-Guy 1d ago
None of the three are in the same league tbh. Kohli averages more over more games despite five years of bad form, and he was also significantly better in SENA. He easily makes most people's all-time India Test XI, Pujji doesn't
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u/DisastrousOil4888 Royal Challengers Bengaluru 1d ago
Tbf Pujji doesn’t make it only because we have another crazy fucker in Dravid for that spot
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u/Outrageous-Watch-947 India 1d ago
Yes it's pretty clear because Kohli is Top 5 in Indian Test Cricket and wayy better than other 2
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u/DisastrousOil4888 Royal Challengers Bengaluru 1d ago
Still couldn’t have done it without either of Pujji or Jinks, Pujji more so
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u/Sans_bear27 India 1d ago
Rahane statistically scored when other players didnt. His records don't show how good of a player he was
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u/Gloomy_Meringue7695 1d ago
Idts bout Rahane. I would rather argue he had one of the greatest ends to a test career. He captained an Indian side full of youngsters with no experience and also without kohli. He was such a good captian, some of those players attained a generational prime in that series and fell of after words 😭. Example navdeep saini and shardul thakur. To top it all off, he defeated australia in australia and also broke the gabba curse. You don't see things like these often 😉
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u/Jamesiscoolest Australia 1d ago
And Hazlewood sleeps a little sounder tonight... His nightmare is finally over.
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u/Odd-House3197 Albania 1d ago
Pujara on Instagram:
As a little boy from the small town of Rajkot, along with my parents, I set out to aim for the stars; and dreamt to be a part of the Indian cricket team. Little did I know then that this game would give me so much - invaluable opportunities, experiences, purpose, love, and above all a chance to represent my state and this great nation.
Wearing the Indian jersey, singing the anthem, and trying my best each time I stepped on the field - it's impossible to put into words what it truly meant. But as they say, all good things must come to an end, and with immense gratitude I have decided to retire from all forms of Indian cricket.
I would like to thank the BCCI, and Saurashtra Cricket Association for the opportunity and support through my cricket career. Am equally grateful to all the teams, franchises and counties I have been able to represent over the years.
I wouldn't have made it this far without the invaluable guidance of my mentors, coaches and spiritual guru to them I shall always remain indebted.
A big thank you to all my teammates, support staff, net bowlers, analysts, logistics team, umpires, ground staff, scorers, media personnel and all those who tirelessly work behind the scenes to enable us to compete and play this game we love.
To my sponsors, partners and management team -I truly appreciate your loyalty and belief in me over the years, and for looking after my off-field activites.
The game has taken me to places across the globe - and the passionate support and energy of the fans has always been a constant. I have been humbled by the wishes and motivation wherever I have played and will always remain grateful.
And ofcourse none of all this would have been possible or meaningful without the innumerable sacrifices and steadfast support of my family - my parents, my wife Puja, my daughter Aditi; my in-laws and the rest of my extended family - who have made this journey truly worth it. I look forward to the next phase of my life, spending more time with and prioritizing them.
Thank you for all the love and support!🙏 🇮🇳
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u/PresentTangerine4943 1d ago
One of the key pillars of the Indian side which was left of quite some rebuilding to do after the retirement of Sachin, Dravid and Laxman. His attitude, his persistence and his steadfastness formed the formidable core of the Indian side who started going abroad and dominating, especially in the SENA countries. The man is a great advertisement for Test cricket nonetheless.
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u/DisastrousOil4888 Royal Challengers Bengaluru 1d ago
Forever grateful for you and your repair jobs Pujji, congratulations on a great career
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u/travelmatenaruto India 1d ago
He did what no one else could! Helped us win two series in Australia. Probably the most important player for us overall in those 8 matches.
Loved his attitude.
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u/crazychild0810 Australia 1d ago
Woah wasn't expecting that. If all forms of cricket then that would also include franchise cricket I assume.
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u/Metal-Banana-72 India 1d ago
Wasn't playing in the IPL for the past few years anyways, so...
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u/Gloomy_Meringue7695 1d ago
He meant county cricket, ranji and stuff....if I am not wrong pujji was playing for yorkshire in county
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u/sunparrot India 20h ago
He plays for sussex in county. His post says Indian cricket so he may still play county
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u/FlaminGalaah Sussex 1d ago
Nothing but the highest respect for him, and every Sussex fan will tell you the same. In three county seasons he scored 2244 runs in 22 games, in 2022 he averaged over 100 in first class and nearly 90 (@over 110 SR) in 50-Over. And when he signed for us we were in incredibly bad shape, with the whole team being held together by sticky tape and Tom Haines. The level of performance he provided as an overseas player who had nearly nothing to motivate him, beyond his professional desire to do his best, was absolutely insane. Time after time I saw him prop up innings that were about to flop over lifelessly and I genuinely believe he's a serious candidate for best overseas signing ever, especially for a relatively short period. Obviously his achievements as a test player waaaay outshine his time as a Sussex player, but the level of respect he gained from our fans nearly instantly say a lot too.
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u/MarcusH26051 Sussex 1d ago
Thank you Puji for helping rebuild Sussex from the lowest of lows. Absolute class act and someone who I'm sure will have a fantastic media career.
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u/BombayBlanco Mumbai 1d ago
One of my favourite ever players. Somehow despite the really solid numbers I think he could’ve done a lot more. Will never forget the Gabba test, the unnerving blocking ability and his humble demeanour. Maybe not as prolific but nevertheless a great successor to Rahul Dravid.
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u/SuperFaiz21 USA 1d ago
He was a worthy successor to 'The Wall'. Streets will never forget his name.
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u/Salt_Anxiety6180 1d ago
‘The Wall’ after the ‘The Wall’.
Last of those generations of cricketers.Liking him in the broadcast team as well.
‘Bhaag Puji, bc’!
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u/Quantum--44 Australia 1d ago
Proper test cricketer - BGT 18/19 was one of the best performances I've seen in Australia from a visiting batsman.
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u/carelesssportsfan89 Australia 1d ago
an absolute legend of the game I will never forget the series he had against australia in the 20/21 bgt.
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u/Valroxen1 Warwickshire 1d ago
What a player, just one of those lads you can't have anything but respect for personally.
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u/teenspirit02 Nepal 1d ago
I'll never forget his double century against Australia,he played 525 balls in that innings
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u/OldFridgerator 1d ago
i guess this officially marks an end of an era of test cricket for India - Kohli, Pujara, Rohit all gone. Rahane for all purposes seems done for as well. Thanks for the memories boys.
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u/DisastrousOil4888 Royal Challengers Bengaluru 1d ago
Including Rohit but not Ash is certainly a choice
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u/OldFridgerator 1d ago
i meant more form a batting perspective. yeah Ashwin is surely one of the big guys from the era. Jaddu is the only one remaining I guess.
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u/AlbusDT2 Mumbai 1d ago
I watch this video whenever I am feeling down. It gets me back on my feet every time. Pujara cops body blows at the Gabba.
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u/Ghostly_100 1d ago
Man I loved Pujji. This guy played the game properly and was damn good at it.
Go well
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u/chickensaltandpepper Australia 1d ago
This guy destroyed me for one summer while making me a huge fan. They don’t make them like Pujara anymore.
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u/Tight_Improvement_37 1d ago
This belongs here
Pujara mentally scars you
Root wishes he was as good a player of spin as Pujara. Or literally any other batsmen in the history of the game. I have watched hundreds of batsmen play spin over the last 15 years, none of them have been as dominant as Pujara. Btw, the analytics and data back that up as well. Pujara doesn't just play spin, he makes them wish they never took up spin bowling in the first place. He mentally scars you. You bowl a good length, he uses his feet and wrist, and converts them into half volleys. You push your length back, he goes on the back foot to cut/pull the ball. You go full, he drives the ball or converts it into a full toss. And he does all of this with a superhuman element of control. He has no weakness. Watching Pujara play spin should be pay per view, it is a work of art. The way Pujara can read and pick length so early is actually insane. The ball can be turning miles, and Pujara never looks bothered. He makes playing spin bowling on dust bowls look like childs play
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u/Select-Diver4930 1d ago
Pat Cummins tonight ✋️💦💦💦💦
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u/Ravens_Rules India 1d ago
Starc got scared when he saw Pujara interviewing him, so was Hazlewood when they shared CSK dressing room. The fear is crazy
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u/OldFridgerator 1d ago
good one Pujji. thanks for the memories.
Although i wonder if these retirements are fast-tracked coz of legends leagues and things like that ? where the players still have an avenue to earn decent money without that much effort.
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u/Tricky_Bumblebee_238 1d ago
Thank you Pujara . Without you, India would have never won those two series down under. Thank you for your grit , determination and humbleness.
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u/AB_1234567890 India 1d ago
2018 BGT is one of the most underrated series wins by India just because Warner/Smith were not playing but thats due to no fault of India’s. That bowling attack was India’s best ever
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u/Fresh2Desh England 1d ago
Really enjoyed his commentary on TMS for the England Vs India series
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u/Important-Bag4200 1d ago
Whenever I see his overall record I'm surprised it's not better. I think he just saved his best performances for Australia and especially in Australia. The guy was probably the key to India winning 2 series in a row. Always appeared humble and a true gentleman. Congrats on a fantastic career
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u/OneSailorBoy India 1d ago
Pujara, the Dravid after Dravid left. The classic test batsman. The type of batsman all bowlers hate not because he scores every time, but because he fucking leaves the balls 😭 Happy retirement!
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u/Constant_Visual_8938 1d ago
Probably the only guy apart from Kohli during the 14-20 era who was reliable ...
Thanks for the 18 BGT <3
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u/chinmay_dk99 1d ago
Architect of the 2018-19 series win and played a pivot role in 2020-21 down under. Thank you Puji
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u/Scary_Rope_8318 India 1d ago
Another legend retiring without a proper on field farewell, we really suck at this. I don't even remember who was the last guy to get a decent farewell match, Nehra Ji ?
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u/DJMhat India 1d ago
Inevitable but still feeling sad. Cheteshwar Pujara was favourite of Test cricket fans because he played old school cricket that even old school players found to be old school.
His took blows on his body willingly to save Tests for his country. He was one of the rare Indian batters who loved to bat in Australia.
His technical weaknesses got more pronounced as his hand eye coordination went down with age and bowlers figured out how to get him. It was not by drying up the runs for sure. It hurt seeing him struggle during his last few Tests. Yet for all the great knocks he played for India and the matches he saved and won, immense respect.
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u/Bleak_star_dust India 1d ago
India's strongest resilience, the silent Assassin with a gentle smile.
Pujji with his unique walking style and grit made test watching so memorable. It's a shame that we couldn't get another game to celebrate our iconic Pujara Koach Rahane trio.
Happy Retirement Legend
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u/Tech-Sapien18 1d ago edited 1d ago
He was a delight to watch while batting, especially on Indian pitches. The flashes of his double centuries against Australia live rent free in my mind. One innings that comes to my mind when talking about Pujara is his 200 off 500 balls. Those days I had a feeling that he was the true successor of The Wall. Sad to see him not reach those heights but still I feel he was great in his own right and contributed well to the ICT.
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u/pu_thee_gaud Madhya Pradesh 1d ago
Should have given him a send off game vs west indies, but we can't always have what we want cab we, thankyou pujji, love ya
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u/Elegant_Place_9203 1d ago
Banda 2 saal se test cricket nhi khel rha hai, sirf send off match ke liye squad mai kese le skte hai.
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u/civilmazdur 1d ago
Happy Retirement pujji bhai. I still remember your Gaba inning. You will be remembered for a long time
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u/revengeordie007 Birmingham Butterkist 1d ago
Have a happy retirement life pujji!That gabba test replays itself in my mind all the time.
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u/whycantyoubequiet India 1d ago
Helped us win some important matches.
Good luck with your future endeavours.
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u/junglemeinmor India 1d ago
He was one of those who were never fancied by his own team's fans, but kept going in his own style and way.
I don't know why he waited so long to retire though, it was clear he was not in the future plans. I personally think he over achieved (for his style of play and era).
When people ask, who would you have bat to save a day, he'll be very close to Dravid in that conversation.
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u/Ngothadei Chennai Super Kings 1d ago
Che was the cornerstone of our first ever series win in Australia. He batted them into the ground, made their quicks look like they were bowling with cement in their shoes. By the time Che was done, their bowlers were drained, and the lower order simply feasted. We’d have taken Sydney too if the rain didn’t play saviour. Cheers, Che you absolute gun of a batsman. Happy Retirement.
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u/Awkward_Enigma1303 1d ago
One of those players you wouldn't forget ever when talking about test cricket. Absolute great. Bro just loved to bat.
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u/Friendly_Figure_329 1d ago
One of my favourite test batters will miss you legend I couldn’t see Rahul Dravid batting as he was considered a wall but was fortunate enough to see you that bgt series will always remain rent free in my heart congratulations legend ❤️✨🫶🤌
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u/Emotional_Many_1509 Sunrisers Hyderabad 1d ago
Still remember him taking blows to his body in 2021 Gabba, and will always remember him for the sheer determination, his last years is not how he should be remembered.
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u/Gloomy_Meringue7695 1d ago
One of those " beyond stats" kind of a player. Thank you for all the memories pujji!! ❤️❤️
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u/SnooObjections4333 Chennai Super Kings 1d ago
Pujara was integral for 2018 and 2021 bgt series win. He batted, batted, batted. They were visibly tired bowling to him. He broke em just by staying at the crease. What a legend.
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u/CharIemagne45 Lucknow Super Giants 1d ago
Thank you Pujji. I remember his 202 in Ranchi. Peak times. Will never forget him in 2019 & 2020/21 BGT
Guess it’s the end of the golden era i guess
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u/harshamech03 India 1d ago
Every time a young cricket fan asks what it was like to watch Dravid bat, we would say just watch Pujara bat on his day. That was Pujara's caliber. One of the best there is in test cricket.
Sad to see him retire. Well played mate!
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u/Due-Donut-5056 India 1d ago
After Dravid, puji continued that particular style, can watch his defense for hours, I doubt if India will ever get someone like him at no 3.
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u/Ok_Note7045 Royal Challengers Bengaluru 1d ago
So only jaddu is remaining from his generation... .. guys we are getting old.
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u/Bitter_Aurum44 India 1d ago
Nooo. Man i thought he'd have one last swansong somehow before retiring.
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u/No_Jello_2520 1d ago
With this have we seen the last of the batters with an old school 'over my dead body' kinda style? The type who could block for periods and don't mind Iooking apparently 'ugly' instead of attacking their way out of a difficult situation. I dont see any one in the current lot in intls. of this mould..maybe Marnus but that's all.
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u/See_A_Squared Deccan Chargers 1d ago
His game against spin and rapid fast pace is some of the best I've seen to this day, I was just watching his vigil from various BGT 2018/2020-21 innings, go well warrior. o7
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u/FedEx2022 India 1d ago
Happy Retirement Pujji!! You are a legend and repaired us millennials from a phase where we thought who might replace The Wall!! Could have been 10k runs in tests but it is still a stellar career!! 🫡
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u/pakistanstar Australia 1d ago
Wall 2.0
One of the last to perfect the forward defence and leave outside off
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u/ArmadilloArmour711 India 1d ago
Thank you for everything Pujji🫡❤️.I am sure Aussies won't miss him😅
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u/Bobilakh 1d ago
He was very entertaining on comms during the recent series, I hope he has a great career ahead there, too.
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u/nihar_142 1d ago
The man responsible for India winning the only test series in Australia. His name will forever be in the history books.
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u/TypicalMemory18 1d ago
His innings in Australia where he got hit by the ball everywhere yet he kept going like it's nothing and won the match for India...man what a player.
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u/theworldsguy Mumbai Indians 1d ago
Thank you Pujara. You made a generation fall in love with test cricket o7
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u/ilolalot1 India 1d ago
Thank you for all the amazing memories. No one will ever be able to replace you.
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u/ohhokayyy India 1d ago
This was India's eleven against SA at Delhi in 2015, Kohli's first home series as captain. Only one of them remains an active Test cricketer now...
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u/This_Abies_6232 USA 1d ago
Note that he is retiring from all forms of INDIAN cricket. But that does leave open the possibility of playing FRANCHISE CRICKET (and league of champions) should his phone ring with an offer....
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u/Spiron123 1d ago
Him not being on the last aus tour was a blunder.
His contributions on that playing position would always be remembered fondly and respectfully.
Legendary fortitude.
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u/Afraid-Astronaut-985 23h ago
He came, he batted, batted, batted and left. No drama no PR. Dravid-esque.
Thank you, Pujara. Happy retirement.
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u/PositiveArachnid8976 India 23h ago
An absolute class act, his contributions for india in bgt 2018 and bgt 2021 are immortal.
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u/CreakingDoor England 23h ago
Always thought he was hard done by by some Indian fans in match threads.
When he was in form, he was a certified baller.
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u/mongrelbifana India 23h ago
Probably the last of the 'true' test batters -- someone who could bat for time, and time alone. A rarity, a legend, an inspiration. Thank you Pujara, for the fine art of test batting.
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u/lifelessonslearnings 21h ago
A great servant of the Indian cricket, filled the big shoes of Rahul Dravid. Respect from 🇵🇰
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u/ns051990 India 21h ago
Oh man. It was pretty much a done deal that he wasn't coming back to the team. Such a reliable, dependable batsman at one drop. Truly carried Rahul David's legacy forward. I feel like we have missed him immensely over the past couple of years when he was out of the team. Was really amazing watching him bat in that old school test match style. My favorite shot of his was that jumping upper cut he used to play over point to the rising ball. And that's when you knew he was set and going to accelerate. Everyone complained about his slow batting, but I loved it. Every ball consumed meant he can play longer and that meant the odds were on his side to get a big score. He was a big reason we won the BGT in 2021. Especially the Gabba test where he got some crucial runs and stabilized the innings. I'll miss him dearly. Perhaps more so than Kohli because we don't have a settled #3 in tests atm. I hope he has a wonderful career as a broadcaster in retirement. Seems like he was doing some of that in the England series.
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u/Crafty_Message_4733 Iceland Cricket 20h ago
What a Legend you are mate, up there with Dravid for me as my favourite Indian batsman. I hope we see more old school batsman like you coming through! Thank you for the memories.
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u/radiohead_fan_13 Australia 1d ago
Still have nightmares about this guy blocking. What a player on his day