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Test cricket is often remembered for its big stars and headline-making performances, but many unsung heroes quietly play crucial roles in shaping a team’s success. Cheteshwar Pujara, who recently retired from international cricket, reflected on his long international journey and highlighted a few teammates he believes never received the recognition they truly deserved.
Cheteshwar Pujara reflects on unsung heroes of Indian cricket
Pujara, the rock of India’s Test batting for over a decade, opened up about the players he feels never got the credit they truly deserved. Looking back on his career, the 37-year-old named Murali Vijay, Wriddhiman Saha, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar as the three most underrated teammates he had the privilege of playing alongside.
“If I have to pick a few, I would go with Murali Vijay, Wriddhiman Saha and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. All three were exceptional players,” Pujara told Sports Today.
For someone who has shared the dressing room with legends like Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and Rohit Sharma, Pujara’s choice highlighted players who often remained in the shadows despite their consistent contributions.
The calm partner at the top
Pujara, who spent countless hours grinding bowlers down in Test cricket, described Murali as one of the best openers he ever batted with. Their partnerships were a defining feature of India’s overseas Test wins, especially in England and Australia.
“Murali Vijay, again an exceptional opener, I think one of the best openers I have played my cricket with because if you are a number three player you want the best opener out there. I have had a lot of great partnerships with Vijay and he is also one of the best Test openers I have seen,” Pujara explained.
Vijay played 61 Tests for India before his career tapered off after 2018. Known for his solid technique and patience, he often set the stage for India’s middle order to thrive.
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The silent guardian behind the stumps
Pujara also heaped praise on Saha, calling him one of the best wicketkeepers in the world during his era. Unfortunately for Saha, the presence of MS Dhoni and later the emergence of Rishabh Pant meant he never got an extended run in the side.
“Wriddhiman Saha has been an exceptional wicketkeeper and a batter. But he was born in an era when Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni) was captain and then after that he didn’t get a lot of matches to play for the Indian team and Rishabh Pant also came in so he missed out,” Pujara reflected.
Despite playing only 40 Tests between 2010 and 2021, Saha’s glovework, particularly against spinners, was widely regarded as world-class.
The swing specialist and injury setbacks
The third name on Pujara’s list was Bhuvneshwar, a swing bowler who often troubled the best batters in the world. Pujara lamented that injuries cut short what could have been a remarkable Test career.
“Unfortunately, Bhuvi was injured and he couldn’t carry on playing Test cricket for a long time but he was an exceptional bowler,” added Pujara.
Bhuvneshwar featured in just 21 Tests from 2013 to 2018 but made a lasting impression with his ability to move the ball both ways and contribute handy runs down the order.
