Cheteshwar Pujara Names Toughest Bowlers Faced in His International Career

In a post-retirement interview, however, Cheteshwar Pujara listed four bowlers whom he found the most dangerous in international cricket. Pujara cited South African Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel, England's James Anderson, and Australian Pat Cummins as the most difficult bowlers he battled with at the wickets.

The batting statistics of Pujara speak of the problem: his average fell to the 30s against Steyn and by 19 or 18 against Morkel. His own problems also went on to English spearhead, Anderson, who dismissed Pujara 12 times with an average of just 21.80. Pat Cummins provided a consistent headache, as well, with eight wickets and 22.50.

Throughout my career, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, James Anderson and Pat Cummins have been some of the toughest bowlers I have ever faced against, Pujara said speaking out frankly in the media.

These were disclosed with the retirement announcement of Pujara. The Test veteran brought to an end a brilliant career of 103 Tests in which he had scored 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60 including 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries.

Challenges notwithstanding, it is against these same opponents that Pujara has produced some of his best knocks. His best efforts were that grueling 123 in Adelaide in the most recent series, when he was being bowled by pace bowlers at their quickest in an almost continuous period of attack. and that masterful 153 at Johannesburg, when he had to struggle against Steyn and Morkel in their very best form.

Pujara has made more contributions to Indian cricket than runs and statistics. He was one of the only two players to bat on all five days of a Test match and he was the epitome of grit and skill in Test cricket. Retired, Pujara has created a legacy of grit, discipline and consistency to the true art of batting.