Congratulations pujji

World Test Championship: Former India batter VVS Laxman on Sunday paid a rich tribute to Cheteshwar Pujara after the latter announced his retirement, saying that the blows he absorbed during the victorious Gabba Test against Australia in 2021 epitomised the essence of his character as a cricketer.

Through his social media accounts on Sunday, Pujara announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket with immediate effect, bringing an end to a stellar career worth 103 Tests, amassing 7,195 runs in 103 games at an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries and 35 fifties.

“From the time I first saw Pujara and his potential, it was brilliant to see that potential translating into performance. His courage, grit and determination stood out and the body blows that he took in the Gabba test we won against Australia symbolised Pujara the cricketer for me, willing to give everything he has for his country. Well done @cheteshwar1 and wish you a happy and joyous second innings,” wrote Laxman, the current head of cricket at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) on his ‘X’ account on Sunday.