PM Modi praises Cheteshwar Pujara in letter, calls him fulcrum of Indian batting line-up

Cheteshwar Pujara, one of India’s finest Test cricketers, announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on August 24, 2025. His decision brought an end to a memorable 13-year-long career, during which he became the backbone of India’s batting line-up in Test matches. Known for his patience, concentration, and classical style of batting, Pujara earned respect not just in India but across the cricketing world.

Soon after his retirement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote him a heartfelt letter, praising his achievements and highlighting his importance to Indian cricket. Pujara later shared the letter on social media, which has been appreciated by fans and the cricket fraternity.

PM Modi’s letter praises Pujara’s calmness and determination

In his letter, Prime Minister Modi congratulated Pujara on a “spectacular cricketing career” and thanked him for his service to Indian cricket. “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 fans and the cricketing fraternity about your remarkable achievements,” the letter read.

The Prime Minister said Pujara’s career was a reminder of the importance of Test cricket in an era dominated by T20s and shorter formats. “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,” he wrote.

Pujara’s calmness at the crease often gave confidence to teammates and fans alike. Modi acknowledged this by saying that numbers alone cannot define his legacy. “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,” the letter said.

Contributions in historic series and lasting legacy

The Prime Minister also reminded Pujara of his key role in India’s historic Test series victories in Australia. In the 2018–19 series, Pujara’s outstanding batting against a strong Australian bowling attack laid the foundation for India’s first-ever series win on Australian soil. He scored 521 runs in that series, facing over 1,250 deliveries — a true display of grit and patience. Modi pointed out that such performances showed his determination to take responsibility for the team in the toughest conditions.

In the 2020–21 series, Pujara once again stood firm despite repeated blows from Australian bowlers. His resilience at the crease was crucial in India’s remarkable comeback to win the series 2–1. These moments, the Prime Minister said, will remain etched in the memories of fans forever.

Beyond his performances, Pujara became a symbol of mental strength and dedication. While aggressive batting and quick scoring dominate modern cricket, he showed that discipline, technique, and patience still have an essential role. His approach reminded fans of the value of Test cricket and its unique charm.

Pujara himself, while announcing retirement, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent India. In his statement on social media, he wrote, “Wearing the Indian jersey, singing the anthem, and trying my best each time I stepped on the field — it’s impossible to put into words what it truly meant. But as they say, all good things must come to an end, and with immense gratitude, I have decided to retire from all forms of Indian cricket. Thank you for all the love and support.”

A career to remember

Cheteshwar Pujara played 103 Test matches for India, scoring 7,195 runs. His record includes 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries. Known for his ability to occupy the crease for long periods, he was often compared to the legendary Rahul Dravid. His contributions often came in tough overseas tours, where his defensive skills frustrated the world’s best bowlers.

Though his ODI career was short, with just 5 matches and 51 runs, his Test achievements were enough to secure his place among India’s greats. His batting was never about flashy shots or quick runs, but about resilience, trust in technique, and mental toughness. For more than a decade, whenever India needed stability in the batting order, Pujara was the man the team relied on.

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The respect of a nation

Pujara’s retirement marks the end of an era in Indian cricket. Fans will remember him not just for the runs he scored but also for the battles he fought at the crease, often standing as a wall between India and defeat. His style of play may not have suited the fast pace of modern cricket, but it was priceless in moments that demanded patience and courage.

Prime Minister Modi’s letter captures this sentiment beautifully. By calling him the “fulcrum” of Indian batting, Modi summed up what Pujara meant to the team — a steady force around which the rest of the batting revolved.

As Pujara steps away from the cricket field, his contributions will continue to inspire young cricketers who want to succeed in Test cricket. His story proves that in the game of cricket, skill and patience can be just as powerful as aggression and speed.