Cheteshwar Pujara Names 4 Toughest Bowlers of His Career: Indian Test cricket legend Cheteshwar Pujara, known as the “wall” of modern Indian batting, officially announced his retirement from international cricket on Sunday, August 24. The 37 year old right hander from Rajkot ended his career after playing 103 Tests between 2010 and 2023, scoring an impressive 7,195 runs. Pujara, admired for his grit, patience, and ability to anchor innings, has now revealed the names of the toughest bowlers he faced during his 13 year career and his choices may surprise fans.
Pujara’s Pick of the Fiercest Bowlers
When asked by The Times of India to name the most challenging opponents he came across, Pujara did not include modern greats like Kagiso Rabada or Mitchell Starc, despite their remarkable records against India. Instead, he named Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, James Anderson, and Pat Cummins as the toughest bowlers he encountered.
“Across my career, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, James Anderson, and Pat Cummins have been among the most challenging bowlers I’ve faced,” Pujara said.
Why These Four Bowlers Made the List
Each of the four bowlers Pujara named is considered a legend in their own right:
- Dale Steyn terrified batters with raw pace and deadly swing, claiming 65 wickets in just 14 Tests against India.
- Morne Morkel used his towering height and bounce to trouble even the best, bagging 58 wickets in 17 matches versus India.
- James Anderson, England’s swing master, remains India’s biggest nemesis overseas, dismissing Indian batters a staggering 149 times in 39 Tests.
- Pat Cummins, Australia’s current captain, has already removed 75 Indian batters in only 18 Tests, consistently proving his dominance.
The Surprise Exclusions
What grabbed attention was not just who Pujara included, but who he left out. South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada who has 55 wickets in 14 Tests against India and Australia’s Mitchell Starc, with 66 wickets in 23 matches against India, did not feature on his list. While both are among the most feared bowlers of the modern era, Pujara’s personal battles seemed tougher against the four he chose.
A Career That Defined Resilience
Pujara finishes as the eighth highest run getter for India in Test cricket, sitting behind legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sunil Gavaskar, Virat Kohli, and VVS Laxman. His career wasn’t only about runs, but about character taking blows, batting for hours, and standing as India’s anchor in the toughest overseas conditions.
From his epic series winning efforts in Australia to his gritty stays at the crease in England and South Africa, Pujara represented the soul of Test cricket. His duels with the world’s best bowlers will forever remain a cherished part of cricketing history.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on Cheteshwar Pujara’s statements, cricket statistics, and media reports as of August 25, 2025. All statistics are subject to future updates in cricket records.
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