'Put India above everything else': Sunil Gavaskar on Cheteshwar Pujara's retirement call

Mumbai: Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar paid a handsome tribute to Cheteshwar Pujara, one of India's finest Test batters, who called time on his illustrious career on Sunday. Complimenting Pujara’s endless courage to take blows on his body from pacers for the sake of Indian cricket – something which he showcased during India’s famous tour of Australia in 2020-21. Gavaskar said, "One of the old-school cricketers who put India above everything else. Took endless blows for Indian cricket but never took a backward step. Hopefully, Indian cricket will use his experience and expertise to teach young budding cricketers that whatever they become in life is because of Indian cricket and it should come above anything and everything," Gavaskar told TOI. "Take a bow, Cheteshwar. You have made India proud," he added. Former BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah, who had closely observed Pujara's development during his long tenure as an administrator at the Saurashtra Cricket Association, said, “It is both an emotional and proud moment for all of us in the cricketing fraternity as Cheteshwar Pujara, one of India’s most technically accomplished and mentally resilient batsmen, announces his retirement from all forms of the game. Cheteshwar's journey from the grounds of Rajkot to becoming one of India’s most dependable Test cricketers is truly inspirational. His exceptional batting technique, unflinching concentration, and temperament under pressure have earned him admiration and respect across the globe. He stood tall in the most challenging conditions, often when the team needed him the most. "To have represented India in over 100 Test matches is a rare and extraordinary achievement. Very few cricketers possess the consistency, work ethic, and mental strength that Cheteshwar displayed throughout his domestic and international career. His contribution to Indian cricket will always be remembered with great pride and respect. For us in Saurashtra, Cheteshwar has always been a source of immense pride. He carried the legacy of cricket in our region with dignity and has been a true ambassador of Saurashtra cricket on the world stage. His humility, discipline, and focus make him a role model for every aspiring cricketer." SCA president Jaydev Shah said: "Today marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in Indian and Saurashtra cricket as Cheteshwar, one of the game’s most committed and technically gifted batsmen, announces his retirement from all forms of cricket. As the president of the SCA, and more importantly, as someone who has shared the dressing room and the journey with him, I feel a deep sense of pride, emotion, and gratitude reflecting on what Cheteshwar has achieved. “Cheteshwar is never just a cricketer – he is the embodiment of discipline, patience, and perseverance. His batting technique has always been a masterclass in classical Test cricket, and his ability to anchor innings in the toughest conditions made him one of the finest batters India has ever produced in the longest format. At a time when aggression was the trend, he reminded us all of the value of grit, concentration, and determination. All his runs and records truly reflect how mighty a cricketer Cheteshwar is. “For Saurashtra, Cheteshwar is not just our most celebrated player – he is our immense pride. His success has given belief to countless young cricketers in our region that it is possible to rise from domestic cricket and make an indelible mark at the highest level with hard work and humility. “On behalf of the SCA, our Apex Council, our players, coaches, and every fan across the region, I extend my heartfelt thanks to Cheteshwar Pujara for everything he has given to the game and to Indian cricket.” Pujara is the third Indian cricketing stalwart to retire this year after Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma hung up their boots in the red-ball format ahead of the England tour this summer. With 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, Pujara stands eighth on India’s all-time leading run-getters list in Test cricket. The Saurashtra great also amassed 21,301 runs in first-class cricket.