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Virat Kohli shared an emotional message for ex-teammate Cheteshwar Pujara following his Test retirement (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Virat Kohli has penned a tribute for his long-time teammate Cheteshwar Pujara, two days after the latter announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. The former India captain took to Instagram on Tuesday, posting a message for Pujara that read: “Thank you for making my job easier at 4 pujji. You’ve had an amazing career. Congratulations and wish you the best for what’s ahead. God bless @cheteshwar_pujara.” Pujara, who occupied the No.3 position for more than a decade, was often the anchor in India’s batting order, setting the stage for Kohli at No.4. The pair built several memorable partnerships in Test cricket, especially during overseas tours. The 37-year-old brought down the curtain on his career on Sunday, drawing warm wishes from fans and fellow cricketers alike. Kohli’s post, though slightly delayed, was seen as a fitting acknowledgment from someone who shared countless hours in the middle with him.
Virat Kohli’s story for Cheteshwar Pujara on Instagram (Screengrab)
Under Kohli’s Test captaincy, Pujara delivered some of his finest performances. One of the most defining moments came during the 2018/19 tour of Australia, where he amassed 521 runs in four Tests. He scored three centuries, was named Player of the Match in Sydney, and secured the Player of the Series award as India sealed a historic 2-1 victory. That tour also produced lighter memories, including visuals of a reluctant Pujara being forced into a celebratory dance by his teammates. Kohli had joked then, “Rishabh (Pant) came up with it and we just went along. It felt good and it was very easy (to do), but Pujara couldn’t even do that! You can see how simple he is.” There couldn’t have been a more fitting example to show the relationship the two shared on the pitch and off of it over the years.
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How significant was Pujara’s role in India’s batting line-up?
While Kohli himself stepped away from Test cricket earlier this year in May, Pujara’s retirement just three months later has drawn the curtain on an era in which both men were central figures of India’s batting line-up.
