New Delhi: Former India cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara shared a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the batter announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on August 24. PM Modi congratulated Pujara for his stellar career.
He made his Test debut for India on October 9, 2010, and went on to score 7195 runs in 103 matches at an average of 43.61, including 16 centuries. Pujara last played for India in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia.
PM Modi praised Pujara for his brilliant contributions to Indian cricket, emphasising his ability to value Test cricket in an era that is dominated by T20s. He lauded Pujara’s temperament and consistency to score runs for the national team.
The Prime Minister also highlighted Pujara’s crucial role in India’s series victory against Australia during the 2018-19 tour, where he was named player of the series. Pujara shared PM Modi’s letter on X and wrote that he was honoured to receive the letter from the 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,”.
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… pic.twitter.com/s74fIYrboM
— Cheteshwar Pujara (@cheteshwar1) August 31, 2025
Read PM Modi’s full letter to Pujara
“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,” Modi wrote in the letter.
“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,” the letter went on.
“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,” added PM Modi.