New Delhi, August 23 — Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has paid glowing tribute to Cheteshwar Pujara following the veteran batsman’s retirement from international cricket, calling him a “warrior” who played a decisive role in India’s ascent to the top of the Test rankings.

Pujara, who announced his retirement this week, built his career on patience, determination, and the ability to withstand hostile bowling attacks. Shastri, who worked closely with him during India’s overseas triumphs, said Pujara’s contribution extended far beyond statistics. “He was instrumental in India being No.1 in the world. Without him, many of our overseas victories would not have been possible. He was a warrior in every sense,” Shastri remarked.

The former coach highlighted Pujara’s defining role in the historic Test series wins in Australia, where his resilience against world-class pace attacks set the platform for memorable Indian victories. “He took blows, absorbed pressure, and never flinched. That is what made him special,” Shastri said, recalling the 2020–21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy as one of Pujara’s finest phases.

Over a career spanning more than a decade, Pujara played 100 Tests and scored over 7,000 runs. His style, built on defense and patience, stood apart in an era of aggressive batting, earning him the tag of India’s “marathon man.”

As tributes continue to pour in, Shastri’s words encapsulate the respect Pujara commanded in the dressing room — as a selfless team player who embodied the fighting spirit of Indian cricket.