Born To Bat, Cheteshwar Hangs His Boots

With 7195 runs, 19 centuries and innumerable Test victories, 37-year-old Pujara announces his retirement from all forms of cricket

- GOMESH S @Chennai

THERE it was, the official announcement at 11.11 on a mundane Sunday morning. Cheteshwar Pujara is no longer an active cricketer. After 13 years and 103 Tests, the last of the batting stalwarts from the generation of R Ashwin, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma joined them in the legion of retired cricketers.

"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," the 37-year-old posted on social media.

Now, unlike the other aforementioned three, Pujara's retirement does not come as a surprise or a shock. In fact, his last appearance for India came two years ago at the World Test Championship final. And yet, there is a sense of warmth in the adulation and tributes that have followed since his announcement.