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“Virat Wanted India To Be The Best In The World…” Says Pujara As Kohli Takes Retirement

Aakash Saini

Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x]Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x]

A glorious chapter in Indian cricket came to an unexpected close as Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 12. Revered for his passion and unmatched intensity in the longest format, Kohli’s sudden exit has now left fans and experts alike reflecting on an era that redefined Team India’s identity in red-ball cricket, both at home and abroad.

In the wake of his announcement, tributes have been pouring in from former rivals and longtime teammates alike. One of Kohli’s most steadfast teammates during their playing days together, Cheteshwar Pujara also praised the cricketer’s commitment towards the game’s purest format.

Pujara hails Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli spent a major part of his Test career alongside Cheteshwar Pujara. Addressing Kohli’s retirement from the format, Pujara claimed that the legendary Indian batter paid a lot of attention to Tests in a time where youngsters were inclined to play white-ball cricket.

While speaking on ESPNCricinfo, he said:

“He paid a lot of attention to Test format in the era where all the youngsters were looking to play more of white-ball cricket. For Virat, the ultimate format of the game was Test cricket and for that, he worked really hard.”

Cheteshwar Pujara also lauded Virat Kohli for bringing “fitness culture” into the Indian team as a leader. Pujara added that Kohli wanted to make the Indian team the best in the world in Tests.

“When he started leading the team from 2015 onwards, that’s the time when he brought in the fitness culture in the Indian team. All the teams were trying to work hard on their fitness, but in the Indian team, the fitness had to improve, and that was the time when the shift did come in. Virat paid a lot of attention to the Test format and he wanted the team to be one of the best in the world.”

Virat Kohli confirmed his Test retirement just a few days after Rohit Sharma made his exit from the format.

He will soon be seen reprising his role for the RCB franchise in the ongoing IPL 2025 season as the tournament is set to resume from May 17 onwards.