‘You are a role model for what determination, self-belief and dreams can do’- Sunil Gavaskar’s massive praise for veteran India batter

Cheteshwar Pujara, the dependable top-order batsman for India, added another feather to his cap by playing his 100th Test match for the country in the second Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test against Australia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Pujara became the 13th Indian player to achieve this feat and was felicitated by legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar, who presented him with a special cap to commemorate the occasion.

In his speech, Gavaskar praised Pujara for his hard work, determination, and self-belief that enabled him to reach this milestone. Gavaskar acknowledged the sacrifices that Pujara made for the country, taking blows and putting his body on the line to help India win matches. He also noted that every run made by Pujara has been a big plus for India and wished him success for his 100th Test match and hoped that he becomes the first Indian player to score a big hundred in his 100th Test match.

“When we are playing as kids growing up, we all, whether we are playing at home, in streets or maidans, we all dream to play for India. When we play a Test for India, it’s an unbelievable feeling. It’s a heady feeling which you want to do over and over again. To be able to do that, you need to do a lot of hard work, plenty of determination, self-belief, lift yourself up from lean periods and then focus on getting the job done,” said the legendary batter.

He continued, “when you come out to bat, it is not just the bat you are carrying along with you, but you are taking the India flag with you. When you go out to bat, you put your body on the line for India. You have taken blows, you have got up and you have made the bowlers earn your wicket. Every single run made by you has been a big, big plus for India.”

“You are a role model for what determination, self-belief and dreams can do. Many congratulations to you on getting the 100th Test match and welcome to the 100 Test matches club and I wish and pray that you become the first Indian to score a big hundred in your hundredth Test match and lay foundation for yet another win here in Delhi. Congratulations and all the very best,” said Sunil Gavaskar in his speech to Pujara, and presented him with a special cap to mark the occasion of playing his 100th Test match.

Pujara, integral to India’s success

Pujara made his Test debut in 2010 in a Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test against Australia, and since then, he has become a vital cog in India’s batting line-up. He has been a consistent performer in the longest format of the game and has scored 7021 runs at an average of 44.15, including 19 centuries and 34 half-centuries. Pujara’s patient and gritty style of batting has been instrumental in helping India win Test matches both at home and abroad.

The 33-year-old Saurashtra batsman has been a crucial part of India’s recent Test series victories in Australia and England. He was the highest run-scorer for India in the 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where India won their first Test series in Australia. Pujara’s resilience and patience were on full display as he scored three centuries in the series and batted for a staggering 1864 balls.

Pujara’s contribution to Indian cricket cannot be understated, and his entry into the 100 Test match club is a testament to his hard work, discipline, and dedication towards the game. As he takes the field for his 100th Test match, Pujara will look to continue his fine form and help India win yet another Test match against Australia.