 |
|
Cheteshwar Pujara's retirement from all forms of Indian cricket marks the end of an era, a period defined by unwavering defensive technique, unparalleled patience, and an almost stubborn refusal to yield to even the most hostile bowling attacks. His career, spanning 103 Tests and amassing 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, is a testament to a classical approach to Test cricket, a style increasingly rare in a world dominated by aggressive, boundary-laden batting. Pujara’s value transcended mere statistics; he was the embodiment of resilience, a batter who could soak up pressure, tire out bowlers, and ultimately, lay the foundation for his teammates to flourish. Alyssa Healy's startling revelation about Australia's strategy to target Pujara during his stints at the crease provides a fascinating insight into the respect and, perhaps, even the slight desperation, that he inspired in opposition teams. Healy's comments highlight the physical and mental toll Pujara's presence at the crease could exact on bowlers, forcing them to abandon their usual plans and search for alternative, often less effective, methods of attack. This strategic acknowledgment of Pujara’s impact underscores his significance in the annals of Test cricket. The numbers themselves, of course, speak volumes. Nineteen centuries and 35 fifties paint a picture of a consistent run-scorer, but they fail to capture the essence of his contributions. It was his ability to occupy the crease for extended periods, his willingness to absorb body blows, and his sheer determination that made him such a valuable asset to the Indian team. He was India's eighth-highest Test run-getter, a position earned through years of dedicated service and unwavering commitment to the longer format of the game. Consider his performance in Australia, a nation renowned for its challenging conditions and hostile crowds. Pujara scored 993 runs in 11 Tests at an average of 47.28, including three centuries and five fifties. These are impressive numbers in their own right, but what truly sets him apart is the sheer volume of deliveries he faced: 2,657 balls in Australian conditions. This statistic is a powerful illustration of his ability to grind down opposition bowlers, to wear them out both physically and mentally. His strike rate of 37.37 might seem low by modern standards, but it was a deliberate tactic, a calculated strategy designed to blunt the attack and create opportunities for his teammates. His balls per dismissal ratio of 126.5, the best among overseas batters with at least 15 innings in Australia since 1990, further emphasizes his remarkable resilience and his ability to withstand sustained pressure. Pujara's 2018-19 tour to Australia stands as a monumental achievement, not only for India, who lifted the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on Australian soil for the first time under Virat Kohli’s captaincy, but also for Pujara himself. His 521-run campaign, averaging 74.42, included a best score of 193 and three centuries. He faced a staggering 1,258 deliveries across seven innings, becoming the only batter to surpass the 1,000-ball mark. This performance was more than just a display of batting prowess; it was a masterclass in mental fortitude and physical endurance. He demonstrated an almost superhuman ability to concentrate for extended periods, to block out distractions, and to maintain his focus despite the relentless pressure from the Australian bowlers. His ability to bat for long periods, often occupying the crease for entire sessions, allowed his teammates to bat with greater freedom and confidence, knowing that they had a solid foundation upon which to build. His innings of 202 off 525 balls, a feat that saw him bat for almost 88 overs, is a testament to his unwavering concentration and his ability to grind down opposition bowlers. This innings exemplifies his approach to Test cricket, a relentless pursuit of occupying the crease and wearing down the opposition. He is the only Indian batter to have faced more than 500 balls in a Test innings, a record that speaks volumes about his patience and his ability to withstand pressure. Healy’s anecdote about the Australian team's strategy to target the other end because Pujara was simply too difficult to dismiss highlights the respect and frustration he engendered in the opposition. They recognized that he was a unique challenge, a batter who could absorb pressure and tire out bowlers like no other. His ability to drain the opposition, both physically and mentally, was a key factor in India's success. The question of whether Pujara is the last of a dying breed, given the increasing dominance of T20 cricket, is a pertinent one. Healy raises concerns about the emphasis on scoring quickly, even in Test cricket, and wonders whether future generations of batters will possess the same level of patience and resilience as Pujara. While the modern game may prioritize aggression and innovation, there is still a place for the classical virtues of Test cricket, the ability to defend, to occupy the crease, and to wear down the opposition. Players like Joe Root and Steve Smith, as Healy points out, still play a similar anchor role, allowing their teammates to flourish around them. These players understand the importance of building a solid foundation, of absorbing pressure, and of creating opportunities for their teammates. Ultimately, Pujara's legacy will extend beyond his statistics and his individual achievements. He will be remembered as a symbol of resilience, a batter who embodied the spirit of Test cricket, and a player who inspired a generation of cricketers with his unwavering dedication and his commitment to the longer format of the game. His retirement marks the end of an era, but his contributions to Indian cricket will never be forgotten. He leaves behind a rich legacy of grit, determination, and unwavering commitment to the principles of Test cricket, a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers.