Indian PM Narendra Modi penned down a letter addressed to former Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara where he described him as “a reminder of the beauty of the longer format of the game”.

Pujara announced his decision to quit the game last week.

He has represented India in Tests in 103 games.

“I convey my heartiest congratulations and warmest greetings on a spectacular cricketing career,” Modi wrote in the letter addressed to the Saurashtra-based batsman who stepped into the shoes of former India legend Rahul Dravid and played some memorable knocks in the longest format of the game.

“In an age dominated by shorter formats of cricket, you were a reminder of the beauty of the longer format of the game. Your unflappable temperament and ability to bat long hours with great concentration made you the fulcrum of the Indian batting line-up,” Modi said.

Thanking PM for the letter, Pujara said: " I was honoured to receive a letter of appreciation on my retirement from our Honourable Prime Minister. The warm sentiments expressed are much appreciated. While I venture into my second innings, I cherish every memory on the field, and all the love and appreciation I have received. Thank you Sir."

Pujara's last outing for India occurred two years ago when he played the World Test Championship against Australia in 2023.

In his career that spanned 15 years, Pujara represented India in 103 Tests and 5 ODIs, scoring more than 7000 runs across the two formats of the game.

A specialist in Test, Pujara failed to make an impressive mark in ODIs and T20 formats.

Despite playing 5 ODIs, he was never included in the T20 team.