Cheteshwar Pujara has long been a symbol of determination, patience, and classic Test match temperament. As India’s red-ball cricket enters a transitional phase, with fresh talent stepping in and legendary players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli stepping aside or into selective formats, Pujara stands as a figure of continuity and experience. Despite being left out of the England tour, his importance to the Test structure remains deeply relevant. This article dives into Pujara’s recent updates, contributions, struggles, and how his presence continues to shape Indian cricket.
Where Pujara Stands Today
Test Availability and National Outlook
Despite being overlooked for the England series, Cheteshwar Pujara has shown no signs of fading ambition. In his recent statements, he reaffirmed that he is still very much available for selection and maintains full commitment to the Indian Test team. His approach has always been grounded in performance and perseverance. While the selection committee did not reach out directly for the latest squad, Pujara took the decision in stride, focusing instead on staying match-ready and contributing through his domestic and county cricket assignments.
Embracing Change While Remaining Grounded
Pujara has always embraced the evolution of the team. With younger players rising to the top order, he has openly supported this transition, noting that every new chapter brings with it both opportunity and responsibility. He acknowledged the significance of India’s upcoming challenges and expressed confidence in the next generation’s ability to carry the Test legacy forward.
Recent Efforts—Domestic and Beyond
Ranji Trophy: Home Form Remains Solid
Pujara continues to dominate domestic cricket. In the recent Ranji Trophy season, he scored over 400 runs, including a brilliant 234 in a single innings. His average of over 40 is a strong indicator that age has not slowed him down. His footwork remains crisp, judgment of line and length is still masterful, and his hunger for big innings remains intact.
County Cricket: A Test of Skill in England
Pujara has also remained active in England’s County Championship. Playing for Sussex, he has not only been a consistent scorer but has taken up leadership roles in the squad, mentoring young English players and gaining further match sharpness. His commitment to county cricket demonstrates a continued desire to challenge himself in tough conditions.
Pujara’s Legacy Through Numbers
An Elite Test Record
Pujara’s legacy is defined by his outstanding performances in the toughest format of the game. His Test numbers speak volumes:
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Over 100 Test matches
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More than 7,000 runs
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An average consistently above 43
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19 Test centuries
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35 half-centuries
These numbers aren’t just statistics; they reflect innings that have often saved India from defeat, or anchored the team toward a win. His double centuries in Australia and consistent performance in England and South Africa have reinforced his status as one of India’s most dependable Test batsmen.
First-Class Supremacy
Pujara’s overall first-class career is equally impressive, having crossed the 21,000-run mark. With more than 65 centuries and over 80 half-centuries, his first-class average hovers above 50—a benchmark very few reach in modern-day cricket.
Anecdotes That Define Character
Test Room Camaraderie and Humor
Pujara’s reserved nature often overshadows his sense of humor and warmth within the team. During team discussions and even media events, several teammates—particularly Rohit Sharma—have shared anecdotes about Pujara’s quietly hilarious presence in the dressing room.
Stories about his resistance to fielding at short leg, or comical experiences on tour, such as the infamous Trinidad incident where he was mugged while looking for dinner, bring out a more relatable side of the usually stoic batsman.
Humility Amid Greatness
Pujara has never been one for flamboyance. Whether celebrating a hard-earned century or facing a string of low scores, his demeanor remains steady. This trait has earned him immense respect from teammates, opposition players, and fans alike.
Leadership and Mentorship
Quietly Shaping the Future
Even while not part of the national squad currently, Pujara plays a mentoring role for younger players. In both Saurashtra and Sussex, he is known for guiding less experienced cricketers on technique, temperament, and training routines.
He offers young players an example of how hard work, patience, and trust in one’s process can yield long-term success. His role in grooming the next generation, especially in long-format cricket, might well become a major legacy as important as his batting record.
Relevance in a Changing Indian Setup
New Leaders, New Strategies
As players like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal cement their places in the Test side, and with KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant providing experience in the middle order, India is undergoing a strategic shift. While Pujara may not be at the center of it now, his influence is felt in how these younger players approach their innings—especially in difficult overseas tours.
He has often spoken about the need for technical rigor in red-ball cricket. His presence—even outside the field—adds weight to India’s push for Test stability.
Challenges and the Comeback Drive
Ignored but Not Irrelevant
It would be easy for a player of Pujara’s age to fade into domestic retirement after being dropped. But that’s not his style. Instead of expressing discontent, he quietly went back to first-class cricket and began piling up runs.
His continued presence in county cricket and consistent performances in the Ranji Trophy show that he is not done yet. Many players make comebacks in their late 30s, and Pujara’s track record and mental strength suggest that a return cannot be ruled out.
The Psychological Edge
Master of Patience
In an era of quick scoring, Cheteshwar Pujara is a throwback. His patience, defensive technique, and refusal to be rattled by aggressive bowling set him apart. Bowlers often become frustrated with his ability to leave deliveries outside off stump or block for hours on end.
This mental toughness has helped India through many crises. Test cricket, at its core, is about resilience, and Pujara’s game is built on precisely that foundation.
Respect from Teammates and Legends
Praised by the Best
Rohit Sharma and other Indian legends have repeatedly emphasized how crucial Pujara has been in India’s biggest overseas wins. He has drawn comparisons with Rahul Dravid for his approach and technique and is often spoken about as a worthy successor to the “Wall.”
Even opponents—Australian, South African, or English bowlers—have acknowledged that getting Pujara out is a huge relief. That is the kind of reputation he has built—one based not on flair but on quiet excellence.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
More Cricket, More Contributions
Pujara continues to play. Be it for Saurashtra, Sussex, or India A in potential opportunities, he has made it clear that as long as he is performing and fit, he is available. He hasn’t announced retirement and refuses to view age as a limitation.
He may not play 20 more Tests, but a few impactful ones could be on the horizon—especially if India faces batting collapses or difficult away conditions where experience and resolve matter more than raw aggression.
A Legacy Beyond Runs
More Than Just a Batsman
Cheteshwar Pujara’s story is not just about records. It’s about discipline, character, and a refusal to give up. It’s about being underestimated and responding with performance. It’s about standing tall when others fall.
His journey is inspirational for any cricketer or individual striving toward a goal. It tells you that you don’t need to be flashy or popular to be great. Consistency, humility, and persistence can take you just as far—if not farther.
Final Thoughts
Cheteshwar Pujara might not dominate headlines like some of his contemporaries, but his value to Indian cricket is immeasurable. His presence in the dressing room, his example for young batsmen, and his impact on the field have created a blueprint for how a true Test player should prepare and perform.
As India continues to evolve in the Test arena, Pujara’s relevance remains intact—whether as a potential comeback candidate or a senior statesman guiding the future. His legacy is secure, built brick by brick, innings by innings—just like the way he bats.
Pujara’s cricketing story reminds us that sometimes, the most valuable assets are the ones who stay quietly strong in the background, holding everything together. And that’s what Cheteshwar Pujara has always been—the glue of Indian Test cricket.
