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.
Sunrisers Hyderabad endured a tough outing as they suffered an 82-run defeat to Gujarat Titans, while skipper Pat Cummins was fined ₹12 lakh for a slow over-rate offence, compounding the team’s misery.
May 12, 2025, when India bid farewell to one of its biggest Test cricketers as Virat Kohli announced his retirement from the longest format. One year later, fans still miss his passion and presence in whites.
Axar Patel and David Miller turned out to be champions for Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala and kept their IPL 2026 playoff hopes alive with a sensational win against Punjab Kings.
The IPL 2026 match between the RCB and the Mumbai Indians proved to be most thrilling match of the season.
Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and many other big names are likely to miss Australia series against Pakistan, prioritizing IPL 2026 playoffs.
.jpeg)
Virat Kohli has played 34 innings against MI and averages 32.40 against them with a strike rate of 128.
The IPL 2026 playoff race is heating up as the Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants prepare for a crucial clash in Chennai this Sunday. Both teams are desperate for a win to keep their playoff hopes alive.
with Shreyas Iyer emerging as the frontrunner for the role
The duo had earlier shared the dressing room while representing Lucknow Super Giants during the 2023 and 2024 IPL seasons
.jpeg)
Asked to bat, LSG posted 209/3, powered by Marsh’s blistering 111 off 56 balls, an innings studded with nine fours and nine sixes
US has paused Project Freedom in the Strait of Hormuz for now, as talks with Ira...
Governor presented citations to several outstanding units of the Army, Assam Rif...
Pune Tourist Rescued Following 150-Foot Plunge at Sinhagad Fort While Taking Pho...
Twin Blasts Near Military Establishments Put Punjab on High Alert
