Cheteshwar Pujara, a name synonymous with resilience and patience in Test cricket, is not typically associated with the high-octane, fast-paced world of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Known for his dogged approach in red-ball cricket, Pujara’s IPL career was brief and often overshadowed by his monumental Test performances. However, a recent reflection by former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pacer Kane Richardson brought to light a rare gem from Pujara’s IPL journey—a match-winning knock in 2014 for Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) that showcased his ability to adapt and anchor under pressure. This article delves into the significance of that innings, Pujara’s IPL career, and the broader context of his cricketing legacy, as highlighted by Richardson’s tribute and Pujara’s recent retirement from Indian cricket.
The 2014 IPL Masterclass: Pujara’s Anchor Role
In the seventh match of the 2014 IPL season, played in Sharjah, Cheteshwar Pujara delivered a performance that stood out not for its flamboyance but for its quiet effectiveness. Opening the batting for Punjab Kings against Rajasthan Royals (RR), Pujara scored an unbeaten 40 off 38 balls, including three boundaries. While the scoreline might not scream explosiveness, it was his ability to hold the innings together that proved pivotal. Chasing a formidable target of 192 set by RR, Punjab Kings were powered by blistering performances from Glenn Maxwell (89 off 45) and David Miller (51* off 19), but it was Pujara’s steady presence at the crease that provided the foundation for their chase. His knock ensured stability, allowing the big hitters to play their natural game without the pressure of early wickets.
Kane Richardson, who played for RCB in 2016 and 2021, vividly recalled this match in a conversation on cricket.com.au’s YouTube channel. “I actually remember playing him in the IPL. He had a really small IPL career, but he opened the batting one year for Punjab at Sharjah, and he anchored them to a win,” Richardson said. He highlighted how Pujara’s approach, often seen as too conservative for T20 cricket, was perfectly suited to the situation. By occupying the crease and rotating the strike, Pujara allowed Maxwell and Miller to unleash their aggressive strokes, ultimately guiding Punjab Kings to a comfortable victory. This innings, though not a headline-grabber, underscored Pujara’s ability to adapt his Test-match temperament to the demands of T20 cricket when needed.
Pujara’s role as an anchor was not just about scoring runs but about setting the tone for the chase. In a format where rapid scoring is often prioritized, his methodical approach was a reminder that T20 cricket also values players who can provide stability. His unbeaten 40 was a masterclass in situational awareness, proving that even in the IPL’s frenetic environment, there’s room for a player like Pujara to make a difference. This knock remains one of the highlights of his IPL career, as it demonstrated his versatility and ability to contribute to a team’s success in a format that didn’t naturally suit his style.
Pujara’s IPL Journey: A Brief but Impactful Stint
Cheteshwar Pujara’s IPL career spanned just 30 matches across three teams—Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and Punjab Kings—between 2010 and 2014. With a total of 390 runs at an average of 20.52 and a strike rate of 99.74, his numbers reflect a struggle to fully adapt to the T20 format. However, his contributions, particularly in specific matches, left an impression. His IPL debut came in 2010 with KKR, where he played 10 matches under Sourav Ganguly’s leadership, scoring 122 runs at an average of 30.50 and a strike rate of 106.80. While KKR finished sixth that season, Pujara showed glimpses of his potential as a steady batter.
His stint with RCB from 2011 to 2013 was less successful, with only 143 runs across three seasons at an average of 14.3. However, it was during this period that he scored his only IPL fifty—51 off 48 balls against Punjab Kings in Mohali, a knock that showcased his ability to grind out runs in a challenging chase. His time with Punjab Kings in 2014, where he played the aforementioned match-winning knock, was arguably his most impactful IPL season. Despite his limited success in the IPL, Pujara’s ability to deliver in clutch moments, as seen in Sharjah, earned him respect from peers like Richardson.
Pujara’s IPL career was always going to be a tough fit. His Test-match style, built on patience and accumulation, clashed with the IPL’s demand for quick runs and aggressive intent. Yet, his 2014 performance showed that he could adapt when given a specific role. As Richardson noted, Pujara’s approach allowed his teammates to thrive, highlighting his selflessness and team-first mentality. This quality, often underappreciated in T20 cricket, was a hallmark of Pujara’s career across formats.
The Legacy of Cheteshwar Pujara: A Test Titan’s Enduring Impact
Cheteshwar Pujara’s recent retirement from all forms of Indian cricket marked the end of an era for one of India’s greatest Test batters. With 7,195 runs in 103 Tests at an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries, Pujara established himself as a cornerstone of India’s Test batting lineup. His ability to wear down bowling attacks, particularly during India’s tours of Australia, earned him the reputation as a “thorn in the side” of opposition teams, as Richardson aptly described. “He was the thorn in Australia’s side for so long, wasn’t he? And the thing that you look back on is how he did it in his own way,” Richardson said, praising Pujara’s unwavering commitment to his process.
Richardson’s tribute extended beyond Pujara’s IPL exploits, focusing on his broader impact on cricket. “He’s almost the perfect foil to so many of those giants around him in that batting order,” Richardson noted, emphasizing how Pujara’s resilience allowed players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to play their natural game. By tiring out bowlers and absorbing pressure, Pujara made life easier for his teammates, a role that was critical to India’s success in Test cricket. His approach, while not always crowd-pleasing, was invaluable in the longer format, where his marathon innings often turned matches in India’s favor.
Pujara’s retirement also sparked reflections on his IPL legacy, particularly in light of RCB’s historic 2025 title win. As a former RCB player, Pujara expressed optimism about the team’s future, stating on a StarSports show with Varun Aaron, “They have a great future ahead. This is kind of trying to take the monkey off the back. They know they have the title now, and they have the team and the capability.” His words reflect not only his connection to RCB but also his understanding of the franchise’s journey from perennial hopefuls to IPL champions. RCB’s 2025 triumph, led by Rajat Patidar and Virat Kohli, was a fitting backdrop to discussions about Pujara’s contributions, as it highlighted the importance of team balance—something Pujara exemplified in his IPL cameos.
RCB’s 2025 Triumph: A Contextual Backdrop
The 2025 IPL season was a landmark moment for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, as they clinched their maiden title by defeating Punjab Kings by six runs in the final. Virat Kohli’s emotional reaction, coupled with contributions from players like Phil Salt and bowlers like Krunal Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, underscored the team’s depth and resilience. This victory, celebrated across India, provided a poignant context for revisiting Pujara’s IPL career. As a former RCB player, his reflections on the team’s success carried weight, and his 2014 knock against RR served as a reminder that even players with limited T20 success can leave a lasting impact.
The 2025 final also saw Punjab Kings, Pujara’s 2014 team, fall short despite a valiant effort from Shashank Singh, who scored an unbeaten 61. The parallels between Pujara’s anchoring role in 2014 and the modern IPL’s need for balanced contributions were evident. While T20 cricket has evolved, with strike rates and power-hitting dominating, Pujara’s 2014 performance remains a testament to the value of adaptability and team play—qualities that RCB harnessed to perfection in 2025.
A Legacy Beyond Numbers
Cheteshwar Pujara’s IPL career may not have been prolific, but moments like his 2014 knock in Sharjah highlight his ability to rise to the occasion. Kane Richardson’s recollection of that innings serves as a fitting tribute to a player who, even in a format unsuited to his strengths, found ways to contribute. Pujara’s broader cricketing legacy, defined by his Test heroics and unyielding commitment to his craft, continues to inspire. As RCB celebrates its 2025 IPL triumph, Pujara’s words of optimism and his past contributions remind us that cricket, at its core, is about teamwork, adaptability, and leaving a mark—qualities that Pujara embodied throughout his illustrious career.
