Cheteshwar Pujara made his 100th Test appearance for India in Delhi in the second match of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and while thanking his family, teammates and the fans for support during a small felicitation ceremony before the start of the match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Pujara said life and Test cricket have many similarities.
"I believe Test cricket is the ultimate format of the game. It teaches you a lot. It tests your temperament, it tests your character," said Pujara after receiving a commemorative cap from batting legend Sunil Gavaskar.
Gavaskar lauded Pujara for his gutsy Test career.
"You have put your body on the line for India. You have taken blows, you have got up and you have made the bowlers earn your wicket. Every single run you have scored has been a big, big plus as far as India is concerned. You have been a role model for what hard work, self-belief and dreams can do," said Gavaskar.
India's No. 3 batsman Pujara was also given a a guard of honour by his teammates as the players entered on the ground.
Gavaskar also wished Pujara to mark his landmark 100th Test with a historic century.
"Welcome to the 100th Test match club. I wish you become the first Indian to score a big hundred in your 100th Test match and lay the foundation for yet another win here in Delhi," Gavaskar said.
Pujara went on to add that Test cricket and life are pretty similar in terms of testing the individual's character and resillience.
"There are so many similarities between life and Test cricket. Whenever you are tested, whenever you are challenged, if you fight it out, if you make a good comeback, you always come out on top," said Pujara.
Thanking Gavaskar, Pujara added: It is an honour to receive this (commemorative 100th Test cap) from you. Legends like you have inspired me to do this for the country. As a young cricketer, I always dreamt of playing for the Indian team, but I never thought I will end up playing 100 Test matches for India. So this is a special moment for me."
"To all the youngsters out there, I will encourage you to work hard and strive to play for the Indian Test team," said Pujara.
In his note of thanks, Pujara said: "I want to thank many people; to start with, my family, my wife, my father and the entire family out there in the stands. Thank you very much for the love and support.
"I would also like to thank the BCCI, the media and all the cricket fans for their constant love and support. Last and the most important one, my teammates snd support staff. Thank you for being part of this journey. I hope to continue to contribute towards the team's success."
