BCCI Faces Backlash As Pujara Misses Out On Farewell Test
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In an era increasingly defined by the explosive tempo of limited-overs cricket, Cheteshwar Pujara stood as a proud anachronism-a Test purist whose game was built on patience, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the longest format. On Sunday, the 37-year-old brought the curtain down on his career, leaving behind a legacy as India's eighth-highest Test run-scorer with 7,195 runs. While his social media post expressed "immense gratitude," his retirement has prompted a fresh and critical discussion about how the BCCI handles the departure of its most decorated players.
Pujara’s defining moment came during India’s 2018-19 historic Test series victory in Australia, where he scored 521 runs, faced a staggering 1,258 deliveries, and struck three centuries. His ability to grind down world-class attacks cemented his reputation as India’s modern-day wall.
Emotional Farewell Statement
In his heartfelt retirement note, Pujara 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."
Pujara's retirement has been linked to the recent Test exits of two other modern greats, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who also retired from the longest format. According to former India pacer Karsan Ghavri , the retirements of these stalwarts were not handled with the respect they deserved. Ghavri alleged that the players' decisions were influenced by "frustration." "It’s possible he [Pujara] may have retired out of frustration. After representing the country for so long, if a player is not getting chances, anyone will be frustrated. Similarly, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma must have felt that frustration too before the recent England tour," Ghavri told Mid-Day.The sudden nature of Kohli's and Rohit's Test retirements, which occurred just after India's Test series defeats, left fans and critics questioning the BCCI's approach.
Ghavri criticised the BCCI, saying:
“The BCCI may have their own ideas, but ultimately, the player suffers. These players are not demanding crores of rupees. It’s all about honour and they all deserved that farewell Test, 110 per cent.”
He emphasised that all cricketers who achieve the 100-Test milestone should be honoured with a farewell match , a gesture of respect long overdue.
Legacy Beyond Runs and Records
In an era dominated by aggressive batting and fast-paced formats, Pujara stood out as a rare defensive maestro. His batting was less about flair and more about fortitude, providing the bedrock for some of India’s greatest modern Test victories.
As India bids farewell to Pujara, along with Kohli and Rohit in recent years, questions remain about how Indian cricket honours its legends. But Pujara’s contribution to the game his patience, discipline, and resilience will remain timeless.
A Career Defined by Patience and Grit
Pujara’s defining moment came during India’s 2018-19 historic Test series victory in Australia, where he scored 521 runs, faced a staggering 1,258 deliveries, and struck three centuries. His ability to grind down world-class attacks cemented his reputation as India’s modern-day wall.
Emotional Farewell Statement
In his heartfelt retirement note, Pujara 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."
The Controversial Handover
Pujara's retirement has been linked to the recent Test exits of two other modern greats, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who also retired from the longest format. According to former India pacer Karsan Ghavri , the retirements of these stalwarts were not handled with the respect they deserved. Ghavri alleged that the players' decisions were influenced by "frustration." "It’s possible he [Pujara] may have retired out of frustration. After representing the country for so long, if a player is not getting chances, anyone will be frustrated. Similarly, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma must have felt that frustration too before the recent England tour," Ghavri told Mid-Day.The sudden nature of Kohli's and Rohit's Test retirements, which occurred just after India's Test series defeats, left fans and critics questioning the BCCI's approach.
Lack of Farewell Matches for Legends
Ghavri criticised the BCCI, saying:
“The BCCI may have their own ideas, but ultimately, the player suffers. These players are not demanding crores of rupees. It’s all about honour and they all deserved that farewell Test, 110 per cent.”
He emphasised that all cricketers who achieve the 100-Test milestone should be honoured with a farewell match , a gesture of respect long overdue.
Legacy Beyond Runs and Records
In an era dominated by aggressive batting and fast-paced formats, Pujara stood out as a rare defensive maestro. His batting was less about flair and more about fortitude, providing the bedrock for some of India’s greatest modern Test victories. As India bids farewell to Pujara, along with Kohli and Rohit in recent years, questions remain about how Indian cricket honours its legends. But Pujara’s contribution to the game his patience, discipline, and resilience will remain timeless.
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