7 Reasons Why Cheteshwar Pujara’s Farewell Became an Emotional Yet Incomplete Story

Table of Contents

Introduction — The Wall of Indian Cricket Says Goodbye

August 24, 2025, will forever be remembered as an emotional day in Indian cricket. One of the most reliable batsmen of the modern era, Cheteshwar Pujara, announced his retirement from international cricket. For more than a decade, he held the No. 3 batting position like a rock, often being called the new “Wall” after Rahul Dravid.

But his farewell wasn’t as grand or dignified as fans expected. That sense of incompleteness was not only felt by millions of supporters but also voiced by Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, who posted an emotional tribute saying Pujara deserved much more.

1. A Glorious Career of 103 Tests and 19 Centuries

Cheteshwar Pujara made his Test debut in 2008 and went on to play for nearly 15 years. His numbers speak volumes about his contribution:

103 Test matches
7195 runs
19 centuries
43.60 batting average

These figures prove that he wasn’t just another batsman; he was India’s backbone in tough situations. More often than not, he rescued the team when the top order collapsed. That is why he earned the nickname “Mr. Reliable” of modern Test cricket.

2. The Hero of the 2018–19 Historic Series in Australia

India’s biggest Test victory came in 2018–19, when the team won a series on Australian soil for the first time in history. The man behind this triumph? Cheteshwar Pujara.

He scored 521 runs in the series.
He was named Player of the Series.

His calm, stubborn batting frustrated the mighty Australian bowlers and laid the foundation for India’s win. Fans and experts alike hailed him as a “Test Warrior.”

3. Shashi Tharoor’s Emotional Tribute

Shashi Tharoor expressed what many fans felt:
“I can’t help but feel a pang of regret that Pujara didn’t get the farewell he deserved. He gave stability and pride to Indian cricket. He should have had a longer run in the team and a dignified farewell.”

Tharoor also praised Pujara’s determination after being dropped from the national team. Instead of giving up, he went back to domestic and county cricket, scoring heavily to prove his worth. Yet, despite his efforts, the selectors did not bring him back.

4. Struggles in Domestic Cricket and Fighting Spirit

When dropped from the Indian side, many thought Pujara’s career was finished. But he fought back:

Scored runs in the Ranji Trophy for Saurashtra.
Piled up centuries while playing county cricket in England for Sussex.
Proved that he still had the technique, patience, and hunger to perform at the highest level.

His journey showed that cricket isn’t just about talent—it’s about discipline, perseverance, and resilience.

5. Tributes from Legends Including Sachin Tendulkar

The cricket fraternity poured their hearts out in admiration.
Sachin Tendulkar said:
“It was always reassuring to see you walk out at No. 3. You gave confidence to the entire team.”

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Anil Kumble also posted tributes. They all described him as the symbol of trust and stability. Kumble remarked that Pujara kept the “true essence of Test cricket alive.”

6. Why Was His Farewell Incomplete?

Even though Pujara retired with dignity through a heartfelt social media post, many questions remain unanswered:

Why wasn’t he given one last Test match as a send-off?
Why didn’t the BCCI plan a farewell series for him?
Why was he sidelined so quickly despite his consistent domestic performance?

These questions created a sense of dissatisfaction among fans and experts. Many believe that a player of Pujara’s stature deserved a grand farewell.

7. His Legacy and Inspiration

Pujara’s career was about more than numbers. His contribution was spiritual and inspirational:

He showed that patience is as important as aggression in cricket.
He taught young players that the real thrill of Test cricket lies in saving matches and grinding out runs for the team.
He reminded the world that in the T20 age, the red-ball format is still alive and thriving.

Pujara’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of cricketers who want to succeed with discipline and selflessness.

8. Cheteshwar Pujara’s 10 Most Memorable Innings

2010, Bangalore vs Australia – Scored a fighting 72, announcing his arrival.
2012, Ahmedabad vs England – A majestic double century (206).
2012, Nagpur vs England – An unbeaten 135, saving India from defeat.
2013, Hyderabad vs Australia – A brilliant 204, grinding down the Aussies.
2013, Johannesburg vs South Africa – A gutsy 153 on foreign soil.
2017, Ranchi vs Australia – An epic 202 off 525 balls, a true marathon.
2018, Adelaide vs Australia – His 123 laid the foundation for a famous win.
2019, Sydney vs Australia – A mammoth 193 that sealed India’s historic series win.
2021, Brisbane vs Australia – Just 56 runs, but took countless body blows to help India win a historic series.
2022, Lord’s (County cricket for Sussex) – A towering 231, proving he still belonged at the top.

These innings highlight that Pujara wasn’t just a run-getter, but a shield for his team.

9. Ups and Downs of His Career

Pujara’s career was never smooth sailing:

Critics targeted him for his slow strike rate.
He was dropped several times despite scoring runs.
The IPL franchises never really invested in him.

Yet, he always came back stronger with his bat doing the talking. That resilience became his trademark.

10. Personal Life and Cricket Philosophy

Unlike many modern stars, Pujara lived a low-profile life.

He rarely appeared in flashy endorsements.
He stayed away from controversies.
His philosophy was simple: “Team first, me later.”

That humility and selflessness made him one of the most respected cricketers of his generation.

Conclusion — An Incomplete Farewell but a Complete Legacy

Cheteshwar Pujara gave Indian cricket unmatched stability, courage, and pride. His farewell may have felt incomplete—without a grand send-off match or an official tribute—but his legacy is complete.

Future generations will remember him not just as a batsman, but as a symbol of determination and selflessness. His story is not of an incomplete goodbye, but of a complete inheritance for Indian cricket.

In the words of countless fans:
“Pujara’s farewell may be unfinished, but his story will always remain whole.”