Goa, Aug. 31 -- Cheteshwar Pujara, India's Test stalwart, who recently retired from all formats of cricket, has received a touching farewell message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Pujara, who represented India in 103 Tests and amassed 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, shared his gratitude, saying:"I was honoured to receive a letter of appreciation on my retirement from our Honourable Prime Minister. The warm sentiments expressed are much appreciated."

In his letter, PM Modi praised Pujara's grit, discipline, and match-winning contributions in the longer format:

PM Modi wrote:"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 abili...