Cheteshwar Pujara, India’s Test specialist, retired with 7,195 runs from 103 matches. Known for his patience, resilience, and ability to grind out bowlers, he was often compared to Rahul Dravid. Both reinforced the importance of the No. 3 position, a role built on stability rather than flair.

In an era dominated by T20 fireworks, Pujara stood out as a classical batter. His courage was most visible in the 2020–21 Border-Gavaskar series in Australia, where he took repeated blows but refused to give away his wicket, laying the foundation for a historic win at The Gabba.

Unlike stroke-makers who attract loud cheers, Pujara earned quiet respect for doing the tough job, absorbing pressure and allowing teammates like Kohli to flourish. His solid technique and calm temperament made him psychologically crucial at No. 3, a position cricketing greats like Don Bradman, Ricky Ponting, and Sangakkara also mastered.

As India looks ahead, his absence raises a big question: who can blend patience and strength to anchor or accelerate at will? Finding a “Pujara-like” player may be tougher than it seems.