PM Narendra Modi's touching tribute to retired Cheteshwar Pujara: 'Team's fate was in safe hands'

NEW DELHI: Cheteshwar Pujara, who recently announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, received a touching letter of appreciation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The former India batter, known for his grit and determination in Test cricket, called it an honour to receive such warm words from PM Modi.Pujara, who represented India in 103 Tests, scored 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries and 35 fifties. He was a mainstay of India’s Test batting line-up for over a decade, often anchoring the innings in challenging overseas conditions.

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Sharing his gratitude, Pujara said: "I was honoured to receive a letter of appreciation on my retirement from our Honourable Prime Minister. The warm sentiments expressed are much appreciated. While I venture into my second innings, I cherish every memory on the field, and all the love and appreciation I have received. Thank you Sir."

Prime Minister Modi, in his letter, praised Pujara’s temperament, resilience, and invaluable contribution to Indian cricket:PM Modi’s letter to Pujara:Dear Cheteshwar,I learnt about your decision to retire from all forms of cricket. Following the announcement, there has been an outpouring of appreciation from the fans and the cricketing fraternity about your remarkable achievements. I convey my heartiest congratulations and warmest greetings on a spectacular cricketing career.In an age dominated by shorter formats of cricket, you were a reminder of the beauty of the longer format of the game. Your unflappable temperament and ability to bat long hours with great concentration made you the fulcrum of the Indian batting line-up.

Your outstanding cricketing career is dotted with moments of remarkable skill and resolve, especially in challenging conditions overseas. For example, fans will always remember instances like the tests in Australia, when you laid the foundation for India’s historic first-ever series win on Australian soil! Standing tall against one of the most potent bowling attacks, you showed what it meant to shoulder responsibility for the team.There have been many series victories, centuries, double centuries and accolades in your career. But no numbers can capture the sense of calm that your presence gave to fans and teammates, that the team’s fate was in safe hands. This is truly your abiding legacy that goes beyond mere numbers.Your passion for the game was also reflected in the fact that even while being an international cricketer, you made it a point to play first-class cricket, whether it was for Saurashtra, or abroad. Your long association with Saurashtra cricket and your contribution to putting Rajkot on the cricketing map will remain a source of immense pride for every youngster in the region.

I am sure that your father, a cricketer himself as well as your mentor, is proud of you. Puja and Aditi must be delighted to be able to spend more time with you. They have all made great sacrifices to support you along the way.Beyond the field, your in-depth analysis as a commentator continues to add great value to cricket enthusiasts, who look forward to hearing your insights. I am confident that you will keep yourself associated with the game and inspire budding cricketers.Best wishes for your journey ahead.Pujara also played five ODIs in his career and scored 51 runs at an average of 10.20.