Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni Sidelined! Cheteshwar Pujara picks the 'Greatest Cricketer' of last 25 years

India’s Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara recently shared his pick for the greatest cricketer of the past 25 years. The veteran cricketer ignored popular names like Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, AB de Villiers, MS Dhoni, and Sachin Tendulkar and made a rather unconventional choice, leaving the cricket fans in confusion.

Batters like Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, Ricky Ponting, and Jacques Kallis redefined the art of batting with their brilliance and consistency. Legendary bowlers such as Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, and James Anderson also etched their names into history with remarkable achievements.

Meanwhile, the modern era has icons like Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Joe Root, Kane Williamson, AB de Villiers, Kagiso Rabada, Pat Cummins, and MS Dhoni.

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I Would Go with Ben Stokes - Cheteshwar Pujara on the Greatest Cricketer of the Last 25 Years

Cheteshwar Pujara made a surprising choice when asked to name the greatest cricketer of the past 25 years. The Indian Test specialist picked England’s star all-rounder Ben Stokes. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Pujara said that he wanted to choose an all-rounder.

“I would go with Ben Stokes. I would pick an all-rounder for this,” Pujara said during the interaction with ESPNCricinfo.

The greatest cricketer of the last 25 years?

Cheteshwar Pujara answers 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/nFDBczHqnH

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) April 27, 2025

Ben Stokes' Impact on Modern Cricket Has Been Extraordinary

Ben Stokes' impact on modern cricket has been extraordinary. Stokes played crucial roles in historic moments like England’s 2019 World Cup triumph, the stunning Headingley Test win, and the team’s aggressive 'Bazball' revolution.

Stokes has played 110 Test matches since his debut in 2013, amassing 6,719 runs at an average of 35.55, including 13 centuries and a highest score of 258. With the ball, he has taken 210 wickets at an average of 32.37, with best figures of 6/22.

The left-handed batter has scored 3,463 runs in 114 ODIs at an average of 41.23, with 5 centuries. He has also picked up 74 wickets in ODIs, with best bowling figures of 5/61. He was named Player of the Match in the final of the ODI World Cup 2019.

Cheteshwar Pujara Aims for Strong Comeback in Upcoming Test Series Against England

Cheteshwar Pujara wants to make a strong comeback during the upcoming five-match Test series against England, set to take place between June and August this year. Pujara last played for India in the 2023 World Test Championship final, where India fell to Australia by 209 runs.

India have struggled in recent red-ball outings. They suffered a 3-0 defeat at home to New Zealand and then a 3-1 series loss in Australia during the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India missed out on qualifying for the WTC final for the first time.

Pujara has represented India in 103 Tests since making his debut in 2010. He has scored 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries. The batter has scored 870 runs from 16 Tests in England at an average of 29, featuring five fifties and one hundred.

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