Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara on Thursday stressed that each and every bilateral assignment will be "very important" now for stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as India look ahead to the 2027 ODI World Cup.
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.
Cheteshwar Pujara's retirement from Indian cricket on Sunday prompted an outpouring of tributes, none more heartfelt than Jaydev Unadkat's.
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.
2025 will go down as one of the most unsettling chapters in Indian cricket -- not merely because of who retired, but because of how and when it happened.
While the white-ball trophy cabinet kept getting heavier, Team India's fortunes in Test cricket swung wildly between hope and despair in 2025.
Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara, who have had a prolific career in the Ranji Trophy, know the importance of rewarding consistent performers in the domestic circuit with international call-ups.
Rahane recommends radical change in appointment of selectors, Pujara agrees partially
'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.'
'I am pretty happy that Puj (Pujara) isn't here.'
'They need batters who can bat out a full session in Australia.' 'You have seniors like Pujara and Rahane, who are scoring runs in domestic cricket. They have experience of Australian conditions too.' 'They should be given a chance to make a comeback, no harm in trying especially when your batting line-up is not even lasting a full session.'
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.
While the young Indian team showed great resolve to earn a creditable draw in England, the series exposed several weaknesses that need urgent attention.
Despite having an impeccable domestic record and a decent start to his international career, he was not picked for the England tour as selectors preferred Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair over him.
It is now-or-never for the now senior-most superstar batter to produce an all-timer series that justifies his talent.
'He has played 100 Tests, he deserves respect.'
India opted to bring in Rajat Patidar as Kohli's replacement.
A sharp mind with a penchant for trying out new things, senior off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is relentless in his bowling approach and always tries to keep himself one step ahead of opposition batters, his long-time national team-mate Cheteshwar Pujara said.
Due to poor form and struggles with fitness issues, Pant has been removed from the vice-captaincy equation.
All eyes will be on Captain Shubman Gill and Coach Gautam Gambhir to lead the Indian Test team into a bold new era.
'...whether he is a top player or not, it doesn't matter.' 'If I go by a player's name I won't be able to bowl at my best.' 'For me he is just a batter, and my only focus is where I need to land the ball.'
Cheteshwar Pujara, leading Sussex, scored a century in the first innings against Durham in the the County Championship Division Two match.
Cheteshwar Pujara continued to thrive in the English County circuit
On the cusp of his 100th Test, Cheteshwar Pujara, the quiet warrior of Indian cricket, always ends up winning the race.
Bright dreams of a new journey, desperation to stage a comeback and desire to rediscover old glory will be the dominant themes of this season's Ranji Trophy that begins at various centres across the country from Friday.
Young prodigy Yashasvi Jaiswal is considered the frontrunner to make his Test debut in the West Indies, but there are other options in Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shubman Gill.
Pujara was dismissed in the 24th over on day two of the division two game against Derbyshire
Cheteshwar Pujara looked rock-solid while Suryakumar Yadav played his natural attacking game as their contrasting half-centuries put West Zone in complete control.
The out-of-favour India batter, who is in sparkling form, is making most of his county stint. He now has scored two hundreds and as many double centuries in his five innings.
While the others seemed relaxed, Pujara stood at attention.
Rajneesh Gupta presents a detailed statistical analysis on the struggles of Rahane and Pujara since 2020.
Senior India batter Cheteshwar Pujara continued his stellar show in the English County Championship, scoring a his third century in as many games for Sussex in Hove on Friday.
'The way Jinx and Pujara batted, in second innings, that experience is obviously priceless for us'
Senior India batter Cheteshwar Pujara redeemed himself with an unbeaten double hundred in the second innings as Sussex snatched a draw against Derbyshire at the 2022 County Championship in Derby on Sunday.
Cheteshwar Pujara and Umesh Yadav's places could come under the scanner before the team travels to West Indies for a two-Test series.
Cheteshwar Pujara's double century on debut for Sussex was the 14th of his first class career -- the most for any cricketer since the beginning of the 21st century.
The legendary Sunil Gavaskar feels Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane repaid the trust that was shown in them, adding it is easy to get excited by young talents but the team should continue showing faith in its senior players.
Senior India batter Cheteshwar Pujara, set to play his 100th Test in Delhi on Friday, is not concerned about the chatter regarding his age and how long he will continue to play. The 35-year-old says he hasn't set a retirement date and would like to take it one match at a time.
While Ajinkya Rahane has been named vice-captain, pacer Navdeep Saini was recalled into the Test squad.
The 38-year-old played the day-night Test in Adelaide and picked up one wicket.
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