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Manjrekar’s Shock Claim on Pujara’s Retirement
In a heartfelt and revealing tribute, former cricketer and renowned commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has made a shocking claim following the retirement of Test cricket stalwart Cheteshwar Pujara. The statement from Sanjay Manjrekar on Pujara has quickly become a major talking point, as he asserted that had Pujara been part of the recent England tour, he could have scored a triple century. This bold claim is part of a larger, earnest reflection on a career that Manjrekar believes was far from easy, shedding new light on the challenges faced by one of India’s most resilient batsmen.
This news is trending as the cricket world bids farewell to a modern-day legend. Manjrekar’s unique insights provide a deeper understanding of the man known as India’s new “Wall.” This article delves into the key takeaways from Manjrekar’s analysis, including his thoughts on Pujara’s tough journey, his monk-like batting style, and the details behind his stunning “triple ton” claim.
“Life Was Tough”: An Unfiltered Look at Pujara’s Career
One of the most powerful points in the reflection from Sanjay Manjrekar on Pujara was the assertion that the veteran’s journey was incredibly challenging. “His career wasn’t easy,” Manjrekar stated, “Life was tough for him on the cricket field.”
He elaborated that this toughness stemmed from several factors:
- Being Dropped: Manjrekar pointed out that despite his crucial contributions, Pujara was dropped from the Indian team “a couple of times,” a significant setback for any senior player.
- The “Defensive Batter” Tag: In an era increasingly dominated by the aggressive, fast-paced T20 style of play, Pujara’s classical, defensive technique was often undervalued. Manjrekar noted the immense pressure on a “defensive batter” to constantly prove their worth in a changing cricketing landscape.
This honest assessment provides a crucial context to Pujara’s career, highlighting the mental fortitude required to succeed with a style that often went against the grain. As reported by the Hindustan Times, this perspective has been widely appreciated by cricket analysts.
The “Monk Who Likes to Bat”: Defining Pujara’s Style
Perhaps the most poetic part of the tribute from Sanjay Manjrekar on Pujara was his description of the batsman’s unique on-field persona. He beautifully captured the essence of Pujara’s unwavering focus and calm demeanor at the crease.
Manjrekar famously described him as a “monk who likes to bat,” suggesting a meditative and spiritual connection to his craft. He explained, “It seemed like nothing rattled him.” He further elaborated that every time Pujara came out to bat, it was like watching a “long prayer,” a testament to his immense concentration and the serene way he would wear down opposition bowlers for hours on end. Manjrekar even playfully quipped, “Naam mein hi puja hai” (There is prayer in the name itself), perfectly summarizing Pujara’s composed and worship-like dedication to batting.
The Resilience of a True Gentleman
Beyond the technical skills, Manjrekar was full of praise for Pujara’s character and resilience. Despite the professional setbacks of being dropped from the team, Manjrekar noted that Pujara handled every challenge with a “very pleasant smile on his face.”
He specifically recalled a remarkable comeback Pujara made in Sri Lanka. After being brought back into the team, he was asked to open the innings—a challenging task for any middle-order batsman. Pujara not only accepted the challenge but “batted right through the innings,” showcasing his grit, determination, and unwavering commitment to the team’s cause. This incident, for Manjrekar, was a defining moment of Pujara’s resilient career.
Wearing the Indian jersey, singing the anthem, and trying my best each time I stepped on the field – it’s impossible to put into words what it truly meant. But as they say, all good things must come to an end, and with immense gratitude I have decided to retire from all forms of… pic.twitter.com/p8yOd5tFyT
— Cheteshwar Pujara (@cheteshwar1) August 24, 2025
What the “Lost Triple Century” Reveals
The most headline-grabbing part of Manjrekar’s reflection was his bold claim about a potential triple century. He stated that given the batting-friendly conditions and the quality of the English bowling attack in the recently concluded series, had Pujara been on that tour, he “could have scored a triple century.”
This is more than just a hypothetical statement; it’s Manjrekar’s ultimate tribute to Pujara’s skill and temperament. It signifies that in the right conditions, Pujara’s classical technique and immense patience were not just valuable, but potentially world-beating. It’s a powerful “what if” that underlines the immense talent of the retiring veteran.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of India’s Wall
The heartfelt tribute from Sanjay Manjrekar on Pujara provides a perfect lens through which to view the career of a modern-day great. Pujara was a throwback to a different era, a batsman who valued substance over style and resilience over aggression. He was the silent guardian of the Indian batting lineup, the “Wall” who absorbed pressure so others could flourish. While his career had its share of challenges, his contributions, especially in overseas Test victories, are unforgettable. As he walks away from the game, he leaves behind a legacy of determination, dignity, and a monk-like dedication to the art of Test batting.
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Sources:
- Hindustan Times: Sanjay Manjrekar’s earnest reflection on veteran’s retirement
- ESPN Cricinfo (for career statistics and context)
- BCCI.tv (Official Board of Control for Cricket in India)
- The Times of India Sports
