Cheteshwar Pujara, who announced his retirement from international cricket on August 24, 2025, leaves behind an illustrious legacy as one of India’s most dependable Test batters. Over a career spanning nearly 15 years, Pujara accumulated 7,195 runs from 103 Tests at a healthy average of 43.60, with 19 centuries to his name.
During his time in the national setup, one of his most significant cricketing associations was with Virat Kohli. Together, the pair became the backbone of India’s red-ball batting, especially in overseas conditions. Batting one after the other, they frequently found themselves at the crease during challenging situations. Between them, Pujara and Kohli combined for 3,513 runs across 83 innings at an average partnership of 43.37. Their alliance produced seven century and 18 half-century stands, underscoring their importance to India’s Test success during the last decade.
Let’s revisit five of their most memorable partnerships in Test cricket.
5. 125 Runs vs New Zealand, Hyderabad, 2012
In one of their earliest collaborations after the retirements of Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman, Pujara and Kohli showcased the new era of Indian batting during the 2012 home series against New Zealand. Walking out together with India at 125-3, they ensured stability with a fluent 125-run partnership. Pujara made a commanding statement with a 159-run knock, while Kohli contributed 58. This stand set the base for India’s dominance in the match and signaled that the Indian middle order was in safe hands.
4. 113 Runs vs England, Trent Bridge, 2018
The 2018 tour of England was a stern test for Indian batters, and after trailing the series 0-2, the pressure was immense. At Trent Bridge, Pujara and Kohli combined for a composed 113-run partnership in the second innings to take the game beyond England’s reach. While Kohli stamped his authority with a memorable century, Pujara ground out 74 from 208 balls in classic fashion. The stand was pivotal to India clinching their first win of the series.
3. 170 Runs vs Australia, MCG, 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Series
At the Melbourne Cricket Ground during the 2018 Boxing Day Test, Pujara and Kohli produced one of their finest overseas partnerships. After a solid start, the pair constructed a 170-run stand that drained the Australian bowlers and tilted the game in India’s favor. Pujara’s marathon century and Kohli’s fluent 82 laid the foundation for India’s massive first-innings score, which eventually helped them seal a famous win. This victory was instrumental in India’s historic series triumph Down Under.
2. 226 Runs vs England, Visakhapatnam, 2016
India’s second Test against England in Visakhapatnam witnessed the duo’s second-largest partnership. Coming together early with the team in trouble at 22-2, Pujara and Kohli stitched a colossal 226-run stand to completely turn the game. Pujara’s composed knock of 119 and Kohli’s commanding 167 ensured India posted 455 in the first innings, paving the way for a comprehensive victory. This stand perfectly highlighted their contrasting yet complementary batting styles.
1. 222 Runs vs South Africa, Johannesburg, 2013
Perhaps their most iconic partnership came during the 2013 tour of South Africa. Facing a challenging pace attack in Johannesburg, Pujara and Kohli combined to craft a monumental 222-run partnership. Batting for nearly 60 overs, they showed immense grit against the Proteas’ quicks. Pujara scored a brilliant 153, while Kohli fell agonizingly short of a century with 96. The stand not only helped India build a towering lead but also underscored the resilience of a new generation of Indian batsmen overseas.
Conclusion
The Kohli-Pujara partnership remains a symbol of India’s red-ball dominance through the 2010s and early 2020s. While Kohli was known for his aggression and stroke play, Pujara stood as the wall of resistance — together striking a balance between attack and defense. Their partnerships often came at crucial junctures, steering India out of trouble or cementing dominant positions.
With Cheteshwar Pujara bidding farewell to international cricket, his valuable partnerships with Virat Kohli will be remembered as one of the most significant batting duos in Indian Test history.
