On January 25, Indian cricket fans celebrate the birthday of Cheteshwar Pujara, born in 1988 in Rajkot, Gujarat.
A recent heartfelt tribute video uploaded by Prasar Bharati Sports on YouTube, titled “The Wall 2.0: Cheteshwar Pujara’s Epic Grit & Patience! Birthday Tribute | #HappyBirthdayPujara”, captures the essence of his career through highlights of his stoic batting, marathon innings, and unbreakable defense. Though modest in views, the video beautifully showcases why Pujara earned the moniker “The Wall 2.0” — a modern successor to Rahul Dravid’s legendary patience and resilience in Test cricket.
From Ranji Roots to International Stardom
Pujara’s journey began in domestic cricket with Saurashtra. His father, Arvind Pujara, a former Ranji player, instilled discipline and technique early. Pujara made his Test debut for India in 2010 against Australia and quickly established himself as a specialist No. 3 batsman suited for the longest format’s demands.
His batting style — leaving balls outside off-stump with precision, solid forward defense, and the ability to grind out sessions — epitomized old-school Test batting in an era increasingly dominated by T20 aggression.
Defining the “Wall 2.0” Nickname: Patience as a Superpower
Pujara’s greatness lies in his extraordinary grit. He frequently batted for hours, facing hundreds of deliveries, wearing down bowlers, and anchoring innings when others faltered. Tribute videos and highlights repeatedly feature his marathon knocks, where he absorbed pressure, took body blows from short-pitched bowling, and emerged victorious through sheer will.
This patience translated into record-breaking endurance at the crease, making him Australia’s “ultimate nightmare” during tours Down Under.
Iconic Innings That Shaped His Legacy
The tribute video likely spotlights Pujara’s most memorable performances:
- Sydney 2019 (193 runs): In the 2018–19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Pujara’s 373-ball epic in the final Test was series-defining. It helped India secure a historic series victory in Australia, with 521 runs across the series at an average of 74.42, including three centuries.
- Gabba 2021 (Brisbane): In the deciding Test of the 2020–21 series, Pujara scored a gritty 56 while enduring repeated short balls and physical blows. His resilience paved the way for India’s famous chase and 2-1 series win — one of the greatest overseas triumphs in Indian cricket history.
Other standout knocks include patient centuries against England, South Africa, and in home conditions, plus his career-best 206 not out. These innings highlight his ability to bat long, frustrate attacks, and contribute to team success through selfless anchoring.
Career Statistics and Records
Pujara retired from international cricket in August 2025 after 103 Test matches. His career stats underscore his impact:
- Tests: 103 matches
- Runs: 7,195
- Batting Average: 43.60
- Centuries: 19
- Highest Score: 206*
- Additional first-class runs exceed 21,000 at a stellar average above 51.
He holds strong records against Australia (nearly 1,000 runs at 47+ average) and remains one of India’s most reliable overseas performers in the modern era.
Retirement and Enduring Legacy
Upon retirement, tributes poured in highlighting Pujara as a “silent warrior” and “modern-day Test maestro.” His technique, footwork, and mental fortitude serve as a masterclass for aspiring batsmen. While limited-overs opportunities were fewer (only 5 ODIs), his true home was Test cricket, where he embodied the format’s spirit.
The Prasar Bharati Sports birthday tribute reminds fans of these timeless qualities through edited highlights, slow-motion defenses, and celebrations of his milestones.
Happy Birthday, The Wall 2.0!
Cheteshwar Pujara may not have the flashiest strokeplay or social media hype, but his contributions to Indian Test cricket — victories in Australia, marathon stands, and unwavering focus — ensure his legacy endures. As the tribute video celebrates, his grit and patience remain an inspiration.
Whether watching archival footage of him leaving balls by a whisker or grinding out crucial runs, Pujara proves that in Test cricket, patience truly is a virtue. Happy Birthday to one of India’s greatest modern Test batsmen — The Wall stands tall! 🇮🇳💪
Watch the tribute video here: YouTube – The Wall 2.0: Cheteshwar Pujara’s Epic Grit & Patience!
