Cheteshwar Pujara, one of India’s most reliable and gritty Test batsmen, recently lauded his former teammate Virat Kohli for his unwavering commitment to the longest format of the game. In an emotional tribute, Pujara highlighted how Kohli had always treated Test cricket as the pinnacle of the sport, even at a time when younger players were increasingly drawn to the shorter formats like T20 cricket. According to Pujara, Kohli’s dedication to Test cricket was evident in the immense work he put into improving his game, making him not only a key player for India but also a key figure in keeping the format alive and competitive.
Pujara’s admiration for Kohli’s approach to Test cricket is particularly significant given their contrasting styles of play. While Pujara is known for his calm and methodical approach at the crease, Kohli has always been known for his aggressive and dynamic style, particularly in the longer format. Despite these differences, Pujara acknowledged that Kohli’s respect for Test cricket was unparalleled. “He paid a lot of attention to the Test format in the era where all the youngsters were looking to play more white-ball cricket. For Virat, the ultimate format of the game was Test cricket, and for that, he worked really hard,” said Pujara in his praise of Kohli’s work ethic.
The modern cricketing world has seen a shift towards shorter formats, particularly with the rise of T20 leagues around the globe. The IPL has become one of the biggest draws, attracting top players from all over the world and offering lucrative contracts. This shift has, in many ways, resulted in a decline in the interest and emphasis placed on Test cricket. However, Virat Kohli, even in the face of this shift, consistently regarded Test cricket as the true test of a cricketer’s skill, stamina, and mental fortitude.
Kohli’s leadership in the Test arena played a significant role in revitalizing Indian cricket. Under his captaincy, India achieved significant milestones, including becoming the No. 1 ranked Test team in the world for the first time in 2016 and retaining that position for several years. The highlight of Kohli’s tenure as captain was India’s first-ever Test series win in Australia in 2018-2019, where Kohli’s aggressive and fearless leadership helped propel the team to historic victories on foreign soil. Throughout this period, Kohli’s passion for Test cricket and his relentless work ethic set the standard for his teammates.
What set Kohli apart was his ability to inspire a generation of cricketers to prioritize Test cricket, even as T20 leagues and ODIs gained prominence. His performances, especially in difficult conditions, were a testament to his belief that the longer format demanded the highest level of skill, focus, and fitness. Kohli’s success in Test cricket was not just due to his talent but also due to his rigorous physical and mental preparation, which he emphasized throughout his career.
Pujara’s words underscore the respect Kohli commands among his peers, particularly in Test cricket. The commitment Kohli demonstrated to the format, despite the growing allure of white-ball cricket, cemented his place as one of the greatest Test batsmen in modern times. As Kohli steps back from the Test format, his legacy as a cricketer who truly valued the essence of Test cricket will endure, and his contributions will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers. Pujara’s tribute is a fitting reminder of how Virat Kohli’s dedication to the longest form of the game has made a lasting impact on Indian cricket and the world of Test cricket as a whole.