Cheteshwar Pujara met Prime Minister Narendra Modi before his 100 test appearance. (Image Credit: Pujara’s X Handle)

New Delhi: Cheteshwar PujaraThose who recently declared their retirement from all forms of cricket, received a touch letter of praise from the Prime Minister. Narendra ModiFormer India batsman, who is known for his patience and determination in Test cricket, called it an honor from PM Modi to get such warm words.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 more than a decade, often anchoring an innings in challenging foreign conditions.

Sharing his gratitude, Pujara said: “I was honored to receive a letter of praise from our honorable Prime Minister on my retirement. The warm feelings expressed have been highly appreciated. While I do an enterprise in my second innings, I have rested every memory on the field, and all love and praise have been received by me. Thanks.”

In his letter, Prime Minister Modi praised Pujara’s nature, flexibility and invaluable contribution in Indian cricket:PM Modi’s letter to Pujara:Dear Cheteshwar,I learned about your decision to retire from all forms of cricket. Following the announcement, fans have been appreciated and there is a cricketing fraternity about your remarkable achievements. I congratulate my heartfelt greetings and warmly on a great cricket career.In the era dominated by the short formats of cricket, you reminded me of the beauty of the long format of the game. Your ineffective nature and the ability to bat for a long time with great concentration made you full of Indian batting line-up.

Your excellent cricket career is dotted with remarkable skills and moments of resolution, especially in challenging circumstances abroad. For example, fans will always remember examples such as testing in Australia, when you laid the foundation for India’s historic first series win on Australian soil! Standing long against one of the most powerful bowling attacks, you showed what the responsibility for the team means.Your career has many series of winning, centuries, double centuries and praise. But no number can catch the feeling of calm that your presence gave to fans and colleagues, that the fate of the team was safe in hands. This is actually the legacy of your heritage which is only beyond the number.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 relationship with Saurashtra cricket and your contribution in putting Rajkot on the map of cricket will become a source of immense pride for every youth in the region.

I am sure that your father, a cricketer along with himself, your guru is proud of you. Pooja and Aditi should be happy to be able to spend more time with you. They all have made great sacrifices to support you on the way.Beyond the field, your intensive analysis as a commentator continues to add great value to cricket enthusiasts, which are ready to hear your insight. I am confident that you will keep yourself connected to the game and inspire budding cricketers.Best wishes for your journey ahead.Pujara also played five Odis in his career and scored an average of 10.20 runs.