Pujara confesses to ‘unbearable pain’ during 2021 AUS Tour: ‘When you get hit on the body, you get shattered sometime'

By Admin

25 Aug, 2025

Cheteshwar Pujara, the wall of Indian Test cricket, recently opened up about one of the toughest phases of his illustrious career the 2021 tour of Australia. Known for his patience, grit, and unwavering focus at the crease, Pujara revealed the extent of physical and mental challenges he endured while standing tall against the fiery Aussie pace attack.

Retirement Marks the End of an Era

On Sunday, Pujara officially announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. His final outing for India came in the 2023 World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia at The Oval. With a career spanning over a decade, he was one of the most dependable batsmen for India in the longest format, representing the nation in 103 Test matches. Unlike many modern cricketers, Pujara’s journey remained almost exclusive to Test cricket he played just five ODIs and no T20Is, highlighting his single-minded dedication to the purest format of the game.

The Pain Behind the Heroics

Speaking to the Indian Express after his retirement, the 37-year-old recalled the excruciating blows he took during the 2021 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. That series is etched in cricketing history as one of India’s most memorable victories, and Pujara’s resilience was at the heart of it.

“In moments like these it is important to look at the bigger picture. You are batting for your team, there are billions looking up to you and wanting and praying for the team to do well with the series on the line. When you get hit on the body, you do get shattered sometimes, but then you have to keep your calm. You have to trust yourself, the game and the ability,” Pujara reflected.

He admitted that while taking one or two blows was manageable, repeated hits on the same spot made the pain “unbearable.” It was at such moments that his mental toughness and devotion to the country came into play. “That’s when your dedication and love for the country comes in. I believe in God and he gives me strength. In tough times you need that spiritual power, which is something beyond human understanding. I get strength that I cannot describe, but I get strength,” he added.

Career Milestones that Define His Legacy

Pujara’s numbers stand as a testament to his class and consistency. He is the second-fastest Indian to score 1,000 Test runs, and his memorable double century against Australia in March 2017 took him to a career-best No. 2 in the ICC Test batting rankings. He also became the 11th Indian cricketer to cross the 6,000-run milestone in Test cricket, etching his name among the greats of the game.

A Legacy of Grit and Selflessness

Pujara’s batting was never about flair or fireworks it was about grit, patience, and a deep sense of responsibility. His willingness to endure pain for the sake of his team symbolized the spirit of Test cricket. The 2021 series in Australia was perhaps the finest reflection of his career-long ethos: putting the team above himself.

As Indian cricket bids farewell to one of its most selfless warriors, Pujara leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come showing that resilience, discipline, and mental toughness are just as important as skill in the world of cricket.