When two legends speak, the world listens! Cheteshwar Pujara just gave a heartfelt reply to Virat Kohli’s emotional retirement tribute. Remember those incredible partnerships that defined an era of Indian Test cricket? Dive into their mutual respect and an unbreakable bond that went beyond the pitch. What’s your favorite Kohli-Pujara moment?

A poignant moment in the annals of Indian cricket unfolded recently as veteran batsman Cheteshwar Pujara offered a heartfelt response to former captain Virat Kohli’s emotional tribute following his retirement. This exchange between two stalwarts underscores the deep camaraderie and mutual respect that characterized their impactful careers, captivating fans across the globe and reigniting memories of their formidable presence on the Test arena.

Pujara officially drew curtains on a distinguished 15-year international career on August 24, an announcement that marked the end of an era for Team India. Having made his Test debut in 2010 against Australia in Bengaluru, he consistently served as a rock in the batting lineup, playing his final match in the World Test Championship final in 2023, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and unwavering dedication in Test cricket.

Following his retirement, Virat Kohli penned a moving social media post, expressing his profound gratitude to Pujara. Kohli specifically acknowledged how Cheteshwar Pujara’s consistent and steadfast performances at the crucial number three position significantly eased his own role at number four in the Indian Test team, a testament to their complementary styles and shared commitment to the team’s success.

For over a decade, Kohli and Pujara were integral mainstays of India’s Test batting lineup, forming a critical axis that underpinned the team’s remarkable dominance in the longest format of the game. Their enduring partnership transcended individual brilliance, as they collectively amassed an impressive 3,513 runs across 83 innings, including seven century stands and eighteen half-century partnerships, showcasing a profound understanding and synergy at the crease.

Cheteshwar Pujara truly enjoyed his most prolific phase as a batsman under Virat Kohli’s astute leadership as Test captain. A standout example remains his pivotal role in India’s historic maiden Test series victory in Australia during the 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Pujara’s monumental effort of hammering 521 runs in just four Tests earned him the distinction of the highest run-getter, spearheading India’s memorable 2-1 series triumph Down Under.

His instrumental contributions continued in India’s subsequent successful Border-Gavaskar Trophy campaign in Australia during 2020-21. Once again, Pujara showcased his grit, scoring 271 runs in four matches at an average of 33.87, including three crucial half-centuries. His gutsy knock of 56 runs was particularly memorable, helping Ajinkya Rahane-led India secure another famous win at The Gabba, further solidifying his reputation as a crisis man in Test cricket.

Throughout their parallel journeys, Kohli and Pujara were not merely teammates but architects of India’s enduring supremacy in Test cricket for numerous years. Pujara concluded his career having played 103 Tests for India, accumulating a remarkable 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, embellished with 19 centuries and 35 fifties, establishing himself as the eighth-highest run-scorer for the nation in the traditional format.

This exchange between Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara not only celebrates a glorious past but also serves as a powerful reminder of the deep bonds forged in the crucible of elite sports. Their mutual admiration highlights the enduring spirit of Indian cricket, leaving an indelible mark on fans and future generations alike, signifying the end of a remarkable era in Test cricket history.