Team India’s fast bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur has hailed Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara for his bravery and fighting spirit that helped the country win many battles in the longest format.

Pujara, 37, who represented the nation in 103 Tests scoring 7195 runs with 19 centuries, announced his retirement from all formats via social media on Sunday: “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.”   

India’s Cheteshwar Pujara evades a bouncer on Day Five of the fourth Test against Australia at The Gabba in 2021. Pic/Getty Images