Cheteshwar Pujara reacts to Virat Kohli's Insta message on retirement: Really proud

Cheteshwar Pujara said he was touched by the congratulatory messages that have poured in since he announced his retirement from all formats of the game. The former cricketer, India's ever-reliable No. 3, responded to Virat Kohli's message, saying he was honoured to have his former teammate acknowledge his contributions to the team and the sport.

Pujara brought the curtain down on a distinguished 103-Test career on Sunday, 24 August. The Saurashtra stalwart had been preparing for the domestic season, but decided against extending his playing career in order to give the next generation of players opportunities at the domestic level.

Congratulating him, Kohli shared an Instagram story in which he thanked Pujara, one of India's greatest No. 3 batters, for making his life easier. For much of his career, Kohli batted at No. 4, following Pujara, who did the hard graft of seeing off the new ball, particularly in overseas conditions, thereby making life easier for the middle order.

"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," Kohli had written.

Responding to the post, Pujara told PTI: "It's a nice compliment from Virat. He's a great player. And if he's saying that I've made his life easier, I'm really proud, because as a top-order batsman your job is to ensure that the batters who come in at numbers 4, 5 and 6 have an easier time."

He added: "Slowly it is sinking in (the feeling of retirement). But at the same time, I'm really overwhelmed with all the love and support shown by family members, friends, teammates, coaches I've worked with, and the cricket fans."

Pujara retired as India's eighth-highest run-scorer in Test cricket, with 7,195 runs in 103 matches. The numbers, however, do not fully reflect his immense contribution. Taking on the pivotal No. 3 role after Rahul Dravid - a doyen at that position - retired, Pujara became India's new "Wall". Throughout his 15-year Test career, he remained a dedicated specialist, playing the format in the most orthodox manner.

Unfazed by looking ungainly against the new ball in challenging conditions, Pujara made a virtue of grinding down opposition bowling attacks, often breaking their resolve.

EMOTIONAL MOMENT FOR MY FATHER

He also recalled the discussions with his father before making the big call. Speaking to India Today, Pujara revealed he had contemplated retiring only a week before the official announcement. His father, Arvind, his first coach, was a rock behind his success and guided him throughout his career.

Pujara expressed gratitude to his late mother for instilling in him the values that, he believes, helped shape his character.

"It was an emotional moment for him (his father) as well. He was an inspiration for me because his commitment towards cricket was excellent, and I learnt a lot from him.

"But I would also like to thank my mum. I lost her when I was 17 because of cancer, but she taught me so much. She taught me to be a good human being. My wife Pooja too - she has written a book in which she says it takes a village for a person to be a successful cricketer," he said.

Pujara, 37, last played for India in the 2023 World Test Championship final. The Saurashtra cricketer, who recently ventured into broadcasting during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in England, has also said he is open to exploring coaching roles in the future.