Cheteshwar Pujara Shares PM Modi’s Heartfelt Message on Retirement: ‘Your Legacy Goes Beyond Mere Numbers’

Cheteshwar Pujara, one of India’s most dependable Test specialists, announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on August 24, 2025. Following this announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a heartfelt message, praising Pujara’s calm temperament, unwavering focus, and monumental role in India’s historic Test victories overseas.

PM Modi highlighted Pujara’s key contributions to India’s 2018–19 Test series win in Australia, where the batsman was named Player of the Series. He lauded Pujara not just for runs and centuries, but for the stability, resilience, and assurance he provided to India’s batting line-up during challenging tours. Modi also commended Pujara’s dedication to domestic cricket, particularly his enduring association with Saurashtra, which helped put Rajkot on the cricketing map.

Pujara’s Response

In response, Pujara expressed gratitude for the recognition, reflecting with pride on a career spanning 103 Tests, 7,195 runs, and 19 centuries at an average of 43.60. Known for his patience, grit, and reliability in red-ball cricket, Pujara’s retirement at 37 marks the end of a distinguished era for India’s Test cricket.

PM Modi’s Message Highlights:

• Recognition of Pujara’s remarkable achievements and the respect he earned from fans and peers.

• Appreciation for his temperament and concentration, making him the cornerstone of India’s batting.

• Tribute to his performances in challenging overseas conditions, particularly Australia.

• Acknowledgment that Pujara’s legacy goes beyond mere statistics, reflecting calm and responsibility.

• Appreciation for his contributions to first-class cricket and Saurashtra’s cricketing prominence.

• Warm wishes for his family and continued involvement with the game as a mentor and commentator.

Pujara’s career is a reminder that in an era dominated by T20 and limited-overs cricket, patience, skill, and resilience remain invaluable. His legacy extends far beyond the numbers, inspiring the next generation of cricketers to value technique, temperament, and dedication.