Post by : Jyoti Singh

Photo: Instrgram/@rrjjtt_01

Virat Kohli’s Heartfelt Tribute to Cheteshwar Pujara: End of a Golden Era in Indian Cricket. Indian cricket has always been built on teamwork, trust, and strong partnerships. Over the years, fans have witnessed several memorable bonds between players that not only shaped matches but also defined eras. One such bond was between Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara, two giants of Indian Test cricket who stood shoulder to shoulder for more than a decade.

This week, that friendship and partnership were remembered in a deeply emotional way. Virat Kohli, one of India’s greatest batsmen and former captains, wrote a heartfelt message for his long-time teammate Cheteshwar Pujara, who recently announced his retirement from all formats of cricket. The post was short, simple, but extremely powerful—showing the respect, admiration, and affection Kohli has always had for his partner at the crease.

On Tuesday, Kohli took to Instagram and 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.

The message, though just a few lines, carried the weight of years of memories, battles fought together, and an unbreakable understanding that shaped India’s Test cricket journey.

Pujara’s Retirement: A Gentle Giant Bids Goodbye

Cheteshwar Pujara, one of India’s finest Test specialists, officially retired from international cricket on Sunday. His retirement brought down the curtain on nearly 17 years of dedicated service to the game. Known for his calmness, patience, and technical strength, Pujara earned the reputation of being India’s new wall, carrying forward the legacy of Rahul Dravid.

Pujara was more than just a batsman—he was a shield. Whenever India lost early wickets, fans would relax a little seeing Pujara walk to the crease at No. 3. His ability to block, absorb pressure, and frustrate world-class bowlers gave India the stability it needed. In an era of fast-paced cricket, he reminded everyone of the importance of patience and discipline.

At 37 years old, his retirement marked the end of an era. Just three months earlier, Virat Kohli himself had stepped away from Test cricket. For fans, it felt like two pillars of Indian batting had left almost hand in hand, closing a golden chapter.

Kohli’s Tribute: Respect Beyond Runs

Kohli’s emotional post captured how deeply he valued Pujara’s presence. His words—Thank you for making my job easier at 4—perfectly explained their partnership.

Kohli often batted at No. 4, right after Pujara. Whenever India lost an opener early, it was Pujara who took the blows, blocked tirelessly, and ensured the team did not collapse. By the time Kohli walked in, Pujara had already frustrated bowlers, giving his captain the freedom to play more positively.

This silent understanding built over the years made their bond special. For Kohli, Pujara was not just a teammate but a rock who allowed him to flourish.

The 2018-19 Australia Series: Pujara at His Best

Perhaps the greatest example of Pujara’s value came during India’s historic 2018-19 tour of Australia. For the first time in history, India defeated Australia in a Test series on their own soil, winning 2-1.

At the heart of this victory was Cheteshwar Pujara. In four matches, he scored 521 runs, including three centuries. His batting was not flashy, but it was priceless. He faced more than 1,200 deliveries in the series, wearing down the likes of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon. By the time India’s middle order arrived, the Australian bowlers were tired and frustrated.

In Sydney, his marathon innings earned him the Player of the Match award, and he was also named Player of the Series. Kohli, then the captain, openly admitted that without Pujara, India could not have won that series.

That tour became the defining moment of Pujara’s career and cemented his place in cricket history.

Light-Hearted Moments: The Simplicity of Pujara

Though known as a serious and calm player, Pujara also gave fans some unforgettable lighter moments. After the Australia series win, teammates forced him to dance during the celebrations. The video went viral, with Kohli joking later:

Rishabh (Pant) came up with the dance and we just went along. It was very easy, but Pujara couldn’t even do that! You can see how simple he is.

This playful incident showed the warmth in the dressing room and the respect Kohli and others had for him. While Pujara may not have been the most expressive, his simplicity made him loved by teammates and fans alike.

End of an Era: Kohli and Pujara Step Away

The retirements of Kohli (from Tests in May 2025) and now Pujara have marked the end of an era in Indian cricket. For over a decade, these two were central to India’s batting line-up.

• Kohli was the aggressor—playing bold strokes, dominating bowlers, and lifting the team with his passion.

• Pujara was the warrior—absorbing blows, batting for hours, and frustrating bowlers into mistakes.

• Together, they created balance and gave India strength overseas. Be it in Australia, England, or South Africa, their partnership often turned the tide in India’s favour.

The Cricket World Reacts

Pujara’s retirement was met with love and respect not just from Indian fans but also from cricket lovers worldwide. Players from Australia, England, South Africa, and Pakistan praised him for his discipline, sportsmanship, and never-give-up attitude.

But Kohli’s tribute stood out. Fans remembered countless innings where the two batted together, holding India steady. Social media was flooded with old pictures of their partnerships, showing just how important they were to Indian cricket’s modern success.

• Pujara’s Numbers and Legacy

• Pujara’s achievements highlight his greatness:

• 103 Tests for India.

• 7,195 runs at an average of 43.6.

• 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries.

His unforgettable innings include:

• The century at Adelaide in 2018 that gave India a winning start in Australia.

• His bravery at Gabba in 2021, where he took multiple body blows but stood firm to help India chase down a record total.

• His double century against England in Ahmedabad, a reminder of his ability to dominate spinners.

• Though he didn’t feature much in white-ball cricket, his role in Tests was unmatched. For many, he will forever remain India’s modern-day wall.

What Lies Ahead

While Pujara has not yet revealed his plans, it is expected that he will remain connected to cricket. Whether as a mentor, coach, or commentator, his calmness and knowledge could guide young cricketers. His story will inspire future generations to respect the longer format of the game.

Kohli’s closing words—God bless reflect a heartfelt wish for his teammate’s future, no matter where it takes him.

More Than Just a Tribute

Virat Kohli’s emotional message to Cheteshwar Pujara was not just a farewell. It was a reminder of the unspoken bond they shared on and off the field. Together, they carried the weight of Indian cricket through some of its most glorious victories.

As both men now step away from Test cricket, fans will look back at their era with gratitude. The image of Pujara quietly holding one end, while Kohli attacked from the other, will always remain etched in memory.

Pujara may have been calm and understated, but his contribution was louder than words. And thanks to Kohli’s touching tribute, his legacy will forever be remembered with the respect it deserves.