Cheteshwar Pujara's retirement from Indian cricket on Sunday prompted an outpouring of tributes, none more heartfelt than Jaydev Unadkat's.
India's awe-inspiring batting depth will face a stern test against South Africa's quality spin attack in the first Test, starting in Kolkata on Friday.
When you bat at No. 3 for India, history demands runs and resilience. From Rahul Dravid to Cheteshwar Pujara, the role has symbolised grit.
Rahane recommends radical change in appointment of selectors, Pujara agrees partially
While modern greats like Shubman Gill and Joe Root shy away from batting at No. 3, Nasser Hussain says Cheteshwar Pujara embraced the challenge and carried forward Rahul Dravid's legacy with distinction.
Batting maestro Virat Kohli on Tuesday posted a heartfelt note to pay tributes to former teammate Cheteshwar Pujara, who announced retirement from international cricket the other day.
Making his Test debut against Australia in 2010, Cheteshwar Pujara went on to represent India in 103 Tests, amassing 7195 runs at an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries.
'I definitely believe the kind of form he is in, the way he is batting, it will strengthen the Indian batting line-up.'
The Lord's holds a special place of pride for Pujara who became the first Indian to achieve a first-class double hundred at Lord's, when he scored a double century for Sussex against Middlesex in 2022.
'Such things happen, and not everything deserves a reaction. I played and played well and that's what matters.'
In the era of uber-stylish batters, Pujara was that glue that held the Indian batting together for a decade between 2013-14 till 2023 over a period of 100 plus Test matches.
He contrasts that with Pakistan's past batting line-ups.
Every innings he played will be remembered along with every drop of sweat he shed to display the purity of technique with resilience, recalls veteran cricket correspondent K R Nayar.
'It was tough to give up cricket. But I received very good guidance from my mother. She told me to become a nice human being, whether I am a good cricketer or not.'
The 317th man to play for India in Test cricket, Sudharsan was handed his Test cap by former India No 3 bat, Cheteshwar Pujara.
Ravichandran Ashwin paid a heartwarming tribute to batter Cheteshwar Pujara following his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket, calling his batting a "symphony".
Sai was never under pressure as he is mentally very tough: Kotak
'I knew the finger was broken but I told the physio that I don't want to take any painkillers.' 'I was in very good rhythm and I just wanted to carry on.'
Cheteshwar Pujara understands more than anyone else that time was right for him to bid adieu without any regrets.
'The Diary of a Cricketer's Wife' penned by Puja Pujara, capturing the journey of her husband Cheteshwar, found a hallowed introduction place at the Lord's Cricket Ground library and the author termed the book as "something for everyone."
'This doesn't look good for the game and Indian cricket.'
Legendary Sunil Gavaskar on Saturday said he was at a loss for words and overwhelmed after his statue was unveiled during the inauguration of the MCA Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
With the England series behind him, Rahul is soaking up every moment of fatherhood -- making up for lost time with Evaarah and cherishing the quieter joys of life off the field.
Sudharsan made the most of the 'life' and went on to score a patient 50, his maiden Test half-century.
Gavaskar didn't mince words as he tore into India's sub-par work in the field, both in terms of dropped chances and overall outfielding.
'I just wanted to fight for an entire day and that was the only message given to me by the coach.'
Sai Sudharsan bounced back strongly with a maiden half-century during Day 1 of the fourth Test against England at Manchester on Wednesday.
Pujara recalled the struggles made by his parents to support his career.
Former England captain Nasser Hussain termed Ben Stokes' decision to bring Harry Brook into the attack after India declined his offer to end the fourth Test early as "silly".
Having bid adieu to his stellar Test career a content man, Indian Test batting great Cheteshwar Pujara wouldn't mind a coaching stint or a role at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in the next stage of his cricketing journey.
If I get an opportunity to represent the country, that will be the best thing: Pujara
Akash's mother, Laddooma Devi, expressed immense pride in her son's performance, calling it the realisation of a long-cherished dream.
As debates around Jasprit Bumrah's workload continue, Sanjay Manjrekar has taken a firm stance - arguing that the onus lies on the pacer to adapt, not the system.
In India's previpus tours of England, Rahane and Pujara have amassed 864 and 870 runs in 16 Test matches, respectively.
'Everyone has the right to have an opinion about the culture of that dressing room. And every opinion for me will matter'
'All I remember is that when I used to go to the ground, when I was 14-years-old, and when I came back in the evening, the colour of my face would be completely different.'
'The entire team started working on the fitness, and at the same time, Virat paid a lot of attention to the Test format, and he wanted the team to be one of the best in the world.'
KL Rahul got emotional during a heartfelt on-air conversation with former teammate Cheteshwar Pujara, as he opened up about embracing fatherhood and the pain of being away from his newborn daughter, Evaarah, while on national duty.
Cheteshwar Pujara continued to thrive in the English County circuit
Akash Deep dedicated his stellar performance in the second Test to his sister, who has been battling cancer for the past two months.
