'Some of my best memories came batting alongside you': Rishabh Pant pays tribute to Cheteshwar Pujara

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant paid tribute to veteran cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara, who announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket on Sunday, highlighting their memorable Test partnerships that helped India secure crucial victories and draws, particularly during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.Pant acknowledged Pujara's contribution to Indian cricket through a heartfelt message on social media platform X."From Sydney to the Gabba and beyond, some of my best memories came batting alongside you. I will always treasure our partnerships & your contribution to Indian cricket. Congratulations on a remarkable Test career, Pujji bhai & wishing you the very best ahead," Pant wrote.The duo's most significant partnership was at the Sydney Cricket Ground, where they added 148 runs for the fourth wicket. Pant's aggressive 97 combined with Pujara's defensive approach helped India save the match against Australia.At the Gabba, while chasing 328 in the final innings, Pujara played a crucial role by scoring 56 runs off 211 balls, facing multiple blows from Australian fast bowlers. His innings provided support to Pant, who remained unbeaten on 89 to secure a historic series win.Pujara, aged 37, concluded his career as India's eighth-highest run-scorer in Test cricket, accumulating 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries.His Test career was marked by determined performances in challenging conditions, establishing him as a key player in India's successful Test campaigns during the late 2010s.Pujara's final international appearances came in the World Test Championship finals of 2021 and 2023, marking the end of a career characterized by traditional Test batting values.The partnerships between Pant and Pujara were notable for combining aggressive and defensive batting styles, which helped India navigate through difficult match situations.