Tag: Cheteshwar Pujara

Australia women’s captain Alyssa Healy has expressed surprise over the retirement of Cheteshwar Pujara, admitting she believed the Indian batter still had several years of cricket left in him.

Pujara, who played 103 Tests and five ODIs since his debut in 2010, announced his retirement from international cricket on Sunday. His last appearance came in the 2023 ICC World Test Championship final against Australia.

Following his retirement, reactions from the cricket community have been pouring in, and Alyssa Healy has added her voice to the chorus.

Speaking on a YouTube channel, Healy expressed her shock upon discovering that Pujara is only 37 years old.

“It’s interesting, I didn’t realise he was only 37. I felt like he still had numerous years left in him. But if he does go down the media path, it’ll be great to pick his brain on cricket and batting in particular,” she said.

Alyssa Healy also reflected on Pujara’s defining role in India’s back-to-back Test series wins in Australia.

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“He was a huge part of those two series wins. He kept their bowling attack out and drained them, making them work so hard,” she added.

“By the end, they stopped trying to get him out and only targeted the other end because they figured it was too hard.”

For the unversed, Cheteshwar Pujara was named Player of the Series in India’s historic 2018 Test series triumph in Australia, where he scored 521 runs at an average of 74.42, including three centuries.

He was also pivotal in India’s 2-1 victory in 2020, facing 928 deliveries.

Overall, Pujara amassed 7,195 runs in Tests at an average of 43.60, with 19 centuries and 35 fifties to his name.

READ: Rohit Sharma opens up on his sudden retirement from Test cricket

Former India all-rounder Karsan Ghavri has stated that Cheteshwar Pujara retired from international cricket due to his frustration with being denied opportunities.

Pujara, who featured in 103 Tests and five ODIs since his debut in 2010, announced his retirement on Sunday. His final outing came in the 2023 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia.

Ghavri, who represented India in 39 Tests and 19 ODIs, criticised the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for its treatment of senior players, suggesting that Pujara’s decision mirrored the frustration experienced by Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both of whom retired from Tests earlier this year.

“It’s possible he [Cheteshwar Pujara] may have retired out of frustration. After representing the country for so long, if a player is not getting chances, anyone will be frustrated,” Karsan Ghavri told an Indian news outlet.

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He further lashed out at the BCCI for denying farewell matches to players who crossed the 100-Test milestone.

“The BCCI may have its own ideas, but ultimately, the player suffers. These players are not demanding crores of rupees. It’s about honour, and they all deserved that farewell Test, 110 per cent,” Ghavri said.

“All those who have played 100 Tests should be honoured with a farewell match.

“The BCCI should have given that honour to Kohli, Rohit, and Pujara, considering their immense contribution to the game. No one wants to end their career like this. He [Pujara] belongs to that distinguished list of players.”

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Former Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara has identified the four bowlers who tested him the most throughout his international career, shortly after announcing his retirement from cricket.

Pujara officially brought the curtain down on his career on Sunday, retiring from all forms of Indian cricket.

Having made his debut in 2010, he represented India in 103 Tests and five ODIs, scoring 7,195 Test runs at an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries and 35 fifties.

In an interview with Indian media on Sunday, the 37-year-old named South Africa’s Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel, England’s James Anderson, and Australia’s Pat Cummins as the most difficult opponents he encountered at the crease.

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The numbers reflect his struggles against them. Cheteshwar Pujara averaged 30 against Steyn and only 18 against Morkel, falling to the Proteas pair on six occasions.

His record against Anderson was even more challenging, averaging 21.80 while being dismissed 12 times by the English seamer. Against Cummins, he averaged 22.50 with eight dismissals.

He averaged an impressive 52.58 at home, with 3,839 runs to his name, while his final appearance came in the World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval in June 2023.

Pujara also holds a unique distinction in Indian cricket, being one of only three players, alongside ML Jaisimha and Ravi Shastri, to bat on all five days of a Test match.

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Indian stalwart Cheteshwar Pujara on Sunday brought the curtains down on a 13-year international career, marking the end of an era for India’s most dependable Test batter over the past decade.

Puajara, who represented India in 103 Tests and five ODIs, announced his retirement via social media handles.

“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,” Pujara wrote.

“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. “Thank you for all the love and support!”.

 

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A post shared by Cheteshwar Pujara (@cheteshwar_pujara)

He also thanks the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and his cricket association for their support throughout his career.

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“I would like to thank the BCCI and the 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,” he concluded.

Cheteshwar Pujara’s last Test appearance came in the 2023 World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia.

The right-handed batter, known for his grit and determination in the longest form of the game, made his Test debut against Australia in Bengaluru in 2010.

Over the years, the 37-year-old was part of many series wins against Australia. Among the most memorable were the 2018-19 and 2020-21 seasons in Australia, where he remained a vital cog in the Indian batting lineup.

During the 2018-19 series, he amassed 521 runs in four Test matches, earning him the Player of the Series award, which helped India win the first Test series on Australian soil.

Overall, Cheteshwar Pujara scored 7195 runs at an impressive average of 43.60 with 35 half-centuries and 19 centuries to his name. His runs tally puts him among the eight-highest run-getters for India in Test matches.

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Indian stalwart batter Cheteshwar Pujara has picked former Pakistan batter Younis Khan as a better player of spin than him self and Virat Kohli.

While speaking during a recent video segment, the 37-year-old Pujara answered a question regarding the batters who are superior at playing spin bowling.

The host diced prominent cricketing names, including David Warner, Dean Elgar, Ross Taylor, Jonny Bairstow, Rohit Sharma and AB de Villiers. However, Pujara remained silent while hearing these names.

While hearing the name of England’s batting maestro Joe Root, Pujara broke his silence. He replied, stating that, ‘Maybe’.

When hearing the name Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara acknowledged the former captain’s superiority in playing spin, citing his impressive numbers.

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“I would say at par. In terms of stats, his numbers suggest that he’s a good player of spin,” he said.

The right-handed batter replied interestingly when asked about Australia’s Steve Smith and Kane Williamson.

 

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“They have scored runs against India and their numbers are good, but I don’t know, it’s very hard to compare myself when it comes to spin, but they are quality players,” said Pujara.

At last, while listening to the name of Younis Khan, Pujara hailed him as a better player of spin than himself.

“Younis Khan — I would have to say that he’s better than me,” he admitted.

It is noteworthy to mention that Younis Khan is the highest run-getter for Pakistan in Test cricket. He has amassed 10,099 runs at a staggering average of 52.06 in 118 Tests, along with 34 centuries.

The Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara is also an outstanding player of spin. Pujara has represented India in 103 Test matches, scoring 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60.

Known for his grit, determination and long stay at the crease, Cheteshwar Pujara boasts an excellent record against spin as well, with 3,376 runs in 129 innings at a mouth-watering average of 61.4.

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HOVE: The left-arm Pakistani pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi came up against the Indian middle-order batter Cheteshwar Pujara in the ongoing County Championship 2022.

Shaheen, who is representing Middlesex in the county championship is up against Sussex, which include his countryman Mohammad Rizwan and Indian batter Pujara; engaging in a battle with the latter.

A lot of buzzes were built up before the match between the two sides, as fans were looking forward to seeing Rizwan or Pujara take on Shaheen.

In the second innings, the fans finally got a chance to witness a face-off between Pujara and Shaheen as the left-arm pacer went hard at the batter but Pujara made he did not fall prey.

Taking to Twitter, the official handle of the County Championship shared the footage of the battle between Shaheen and Pujara.

Shaheen Afridi 🆚 Cheteshwar Pujara

A battle you don't want to miss.

Watch it LIVE 👉 https://t.co/UVQbX7r83y#LVCountyChamp pic.twitter.com/GBHE5CdZzH

— Rothesay County Championship (@CountyChamp) May 7, 2022

“Shaheen Afridi vs Cheteshwar Pujara. A battle you don’t want to miss,” the caption read.

Who wants to see Cheteshwar Pujara vs Shaheen Afridi in red-ball cricket? 🙋

It's happening right now in the County Championship!

👉 https://t.co/hv0zuwP7rJ pic.twitter.com/kSLzJshcGg

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) May 7, 2022

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DERBY: Pakistan’s wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan and the Indian top-order batter Cheteshwar Pujara who are representing Sussex County Cricket Club, have made their County Cricket debut against Derbyshire, here on Thursday.

In the Division Two fixture of the ongoing County Championship 2022, with Sussex taking on the home side Derbyshire Pakistan’s Rizwan and India’s Pujara have made their debut in the county cricket.

Taking to Twitter, Sussex County Cricket Club shared the picture of Rizwan and Pujara posing together ahead of their match against Derbyshire.

“Debut day for these two,” Sussex wrote on Twitter.

Debut day for these two. 🤩 pic.twitter.com/mT6rerYMRu

— Sussex Cricket (@SussexCCC) April 14, 2022

Wisden Cricket, on the other hand, re-shared the picture of the two Southpaws.

“A Sussex debut for Cheteshwar Pujara and Mohammad Rizwan, facing off against Shan Masood and Suranga Lakmal’s Derbyshire,” Wisden tweeted.

“Division Two of the County Championship has attracted some elite names this year,” the tweet added.

A Sussex debut for Cheteshwar Pujara and Mohammad Rizwan, facing off against Shan Masood and Suranga Lakmal's Derbyshire 😍

Division Two of the County Championship has attracted some elite names this year 👏

📸 @SussexCCC#CountyCricket2022 pic.twitter.com/Oebwf8xWUU

— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) April 14, 2022

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KARACHI: Indian top-order batter Cheteshwar Pujara has been signed by Sussex County Cricket Club for the 2022 season, and will share the dressing room with Pakistan’s wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan.

Pujara replaced Australia’s Travis Head following a request by the latter to be released from his contract due to increased international commitments along with the news that he and his partner are expecting their first child.

Taking to Twitter, Sussex announced Pujara as their replacement for the Aussie.

Pujara will replace Travis Head as one of our overseas players for 2022. 🔁

Travis requested to be released from his contract due to increased international commitments along with the news that he and his partner are expecting their first child. 🇦🇺

Good luck for 2022, Trav. 👊 pic.twitter.com/fwpGzq2NyU

— Sussex Cricket (@SussexCCC) March 10, 2022

According to the county club, Pujara will be available for the entire championship.

In a statement released by Sussex, Pujara said he is excited and honoured to be a part of the historic county club.

“I am excited and honoured to be a part of the historic Sussex County Cricket Club for the upcoming season. I do look forward to joining up with the Sussex family soon and [being] a part of its rich cricketing history,” the statement read.

“Over the years I have always enjoyed my time in the UK playing county cricket, so eagerly looking forward to the new stint and hope to contribute to the club’s success,” Sussex quoted Pujara.

It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan’s Rizwan has already been signed by the Sussex and is likely to share the dressing room with India’s experienced batter Pujara.

READ: Rizwan joins Sussex County CC for 2022 season