Cheteshwar Pujara's retirement from Indian cricket on Sunday prompted an outpouring of tributes, none more heartfelt than Jaydev Unadkat's.
Rahane recommends radical change in appointment of selectors, Pujara agrees partially
'In the evening, he came to me, put a hand around me, and said: "Don't worry and don't be upset. The ball which did you in kept very low and even I might have got out playing it. Your chance will definitely come and I am sure you will excel."' Cheteshwar Pujara hails Sachin Tendulkar.
Domestic veterans Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rajat Patidar and Rinku Singh could keep the team management interested going forward in Test cricket.
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.
He contrasts that with Pakistan's past batting line-ups.
"I would like those who are not playing IPL, especially Pujara, to go and play county cricket in England. He would encounter different types of wickets especially in April and May which will give good experience and exposure," Azhar said.
For one so young, Cheteshwar Pujara is extremely religious. He performs puja, meditates and lives a simple life despite being a celebrity. Haresh Pandya, who has known the batsman since he was a child, reveals the role his family and spirituality have played in his achievements.
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.
The collapse, India's lowest failed chase at home, has left behind deeper fault lines than a dry Eden Gardens wicket can conceal.
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.
Cheteshwar Pujara, who scored his maiden Test double century in India's mammoth first innings total against England, has said that missing out on a hundred in the warm-up game inspired him to score big in the first Test in Ahmedabad.
'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.'
Ravichandran Ashwin paid a heartwarming tribute to batter Cheteshwar Pujara following his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket, calling his batting a "symphony".
Cheteshwar Pujara is confident that his scoring touch will return in the upcoming Test series against Australia in Adelaide.
Cheteshwar Pujara is gearing up for new challenge. The 25-year-old is a huge success on the Indian pitches and therefore this Saurashtra lad is looking ahead to the senior team's possible tour of South Africa followed by the confirmed visit to New Zealand.
'I definitely believe the kind of form he is in, the way he is batting, it will strengthen the Indian batting line-up.'
Cheteshwar Pujara understands more than anyone else that time was right for him to bid adieu without any regrets.
India's Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara's contentious dismissal in an English County Championship match between Yorkshire and Warwickshire created a mini-controversy as some of the home team fans booed the umpires at the end of the day's play.
'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.'
Pujara recalled the struggles made by his parents to support his career.
'Such things happen, and not everything deserves a reaction. I played and played well and that's what matters.'
If I get an opportunity to represent the country, that will be the best thing: Pujara
In India's previpus tours of England, Rahane and Pujara have amassed 864 and 870 runs in 16 Test matches, respectively.
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.
'This doesn't look good for the game and Indian cricket.'
Sudharsan made the most of the 'life' and went on to score a patient 50, his maiden Test half-century.
Sai was never under pressure as he is mentally very tough: Kotak
'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."
'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.'
'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.
Akash's mother, Laddooma Devi, expressed immense pride in her son's performance, calling it the realisation of a long-cherished dream.
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".
The promising cricketer has been appointed the Gujarat Election Commission's brand ambassador, says Haresh Pandya
'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.'
With his fifth Test hundred, the Saurashtra batsman has conclusively proved he is here to stay, says Haresh Pandya.
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.
'Everyone has the right to have an opinion about the culture of that dressing room. And every opinion for me will matter'
'With a young and dynamic squad, this tour represents a significant turning point for Indian cricket.'