‘Thank You For Making My Job Easier…’: Virat Kohli Pens Emotional Note For Cheteshwar Pujara On His Retirement

The cricketing world witnessed an emotional moment when Virat Kohli, one of India’s greatest modern-day batters, penned a heartfelt note for his long-time teammate Cheteshwar Pujara, who recently announced his retirement from international cricket. Kohli’s tribute reflects not just the bond between two stalwarts of Indian cricket but also underlines Pujara’s monumental contribution to the team, especially in Test matches where resilience and patience matter the most.

Virat Kohli’s Emotional Tribute

Kohli, who shared many match-winning partnerships with Pujara in the longest format of the game, took to social media to express his gratitude. He wrote:

“Thank you for making my job easier from the other end. Your grit, determination, and selflessness have always inspired me and countless others. Test cricket won because of players like you, Puji.”

The words carried the weight of years of camaraderie, struggle, and countless hours spent together in the middle, battling hostile bowlers on challenging pitches. For Kohli, Pujara was more than just a batting partner—he was a shield, a warrior who absorbed pressure and allowed others to play freely.

Cheteshwar Pujara: The Wall 2.0 of Indian Cricket

Often compared to Rahul Dravid, Pujara built a reputation as India’s new “Wall” in the modern era. His batting style was not flashy or aggressive, but his value was unmatched in difficult conditions. Over the years, he became India’s backbone in Test cricket, known for his ability to anchor innings, frustrate bowlers, and grind out match-saving and match-winning knocks.

Some of his most iconic performances include:

• 2018–19 Australia Tour: Pujara’s batting heroics, scoring over 500 runs in the series, played a decisive role in India’s historic Test series victory in Australia.
• 2021 Australia (Gabba Test): His courageous knocks, where he endured body blows from fiery Australian pacers, helped India script a series win at the fortress Gabba.
• 2012–13 vs England: His double century in Ahmedabad showcased his ability to dominate long innings.

Partnership Between Kohli and Pujara

One of the most notable aspects of India’s golden Test era was the synergy between Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara. Their batting partnerships often steadied India in tough situations. Kohli’s attacking flair was perfectly balanced by Pujara’s defensive resilience, creating a combination that frustrated opposition bowlers.

Memorable Kohli–Pujara Partnerships

These partnerships not only yielded runs but also cemented India’s reputation as a tough Test side overseas.

The Legacy of Cheteshwar Pujara

Pujara’s contribution to Indian cricket goes far beyond numbers. His unwavering focus and calm demeanor under pressure gave younger players, including Kohli, the confidence to play their natural games.

Pujara’s Test Career in Numbers

While Pujara’s career was almost exclusively defined by Test cricket, his influence on the format is undeniable. His career average of 43.6, along with 19 centuries, places him among India’s most successful Test batters.

Virat Kohli and Pujara: Mutual Respect

What makes Kohli’s note even more emotional is the mutual respect shared between the two cricketers. Kohli, often known for his aggression and flamboyance, found in Pujara a calming influence. Their contrasting personalities and playing styles complemented each other perfectly.

Pujara himself has often credited Kohli’s aggression as a motivating factor for the team. Together, they built an era where India not only dominated at home but also became a formidable side overseas.

The Impact on Indian Cricket

With Pujara’s retirement, Indian cricket bids farewell to a player who redefined the art of patience in the modern game. His role in India’s overseas victories in England, Australia, and South Africa will be remembered for generations.

Key Highlights of Pujara’s Career Impact

Reactions from the Cricketing World

Apart from Kohli, several cricketers, both Indian and international, hailed Pujara’s contribution.

• Rahul Dravid praised him as the true successor to the role of India’s anchor in Tests.
• Ajinkya Rahane remembered the countless partnerships they shared in crunch situations.
• Australian players, including Pat Cummins, acknowledged how frustrating it was to bowl to Pujara.

The Way Forward for Indian Cricket

While Pujara’s shoes will be difficult to fill, Indian cricket has young batters like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shreyas Iyer, who could take on the responsibility in the middle order. However, replicating Pujara’s grit, patience, and mental strength will remain a challenge.

Conclusion

Virat Kohli’s emotional message to Cheteshwar Pujara highlights the profound respect and admiration shared between two modern legends of Indian cricket. Pujara’s retirement marks the end of an era defined by resilience, patience, and unwavering commitment to Test cricket.

For fans and players alike, Pujara’s legacy will remain etched in history as the man who carried forward the tradition of grinding bowlers, wearing them down, and making Indian cricket proud on the biggest stages.

As Kohli beautifully put it: “Test cricket won because of players like you.”

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is based on cricketing achievements, tributes, and public statements. It does not intend to provide any personal or private insights into the individuals mentioned.