Cheteshwar Pujara Announced his retirement
MUMBAI – Cheteshwar Pujara, the unflinching rock of India’s Test batting lineup for over a decade, has announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket, effective immediately. The 37-year-old made the heartfelt announcement on Sunday, sharing his decision on his social media platforms and bringing the curtain down on a stellar career defined by grit, patience, and a relentless appetite for runs.
Pujara’s last international appearance for India was in the World Test Championship final against Australia in June 2023. While he had been out of the national team since then, his recent performances in domestic cricket, including the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season for Saurashtra, showcased his enduring class. He also had a notable recent stint with Sussex in the County Championship.
Cheteshwar Pujara Career
A throwback to a bygone era of Test match batting, Pujara’s career was a testament to the virtues of staying at the crease and wearing down the opposition. He played 103 Test matches, amassing 7,195 runs at a commendable average of 43.60. His career was marked by 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries, with his highest score being 206 not out.
“As a little boy from the small town of Rajkot, along with my parents, I set out to aim for the stars; and dreamt to be a part of the Indian cricket team,” Cheteshwar Pujara wrote in his retirement message. “Little did I know then that this game would give me so much – invaluable opportunities, experiences, purpose, love, and above all a chance to represent my state and this great nation.”
He made his Test debut against Australia in Bengaluru in late 2010, taking over the crucial No. 3 position from the legendary Rahul Dravid. It was a role he would make his own, becoming a cornerstone of the Indian team in the longest format.
Cheteshwar Pujara’s most memorable contributions came during India’s historic series victories against Australia. He was the Player of the Series in the 2018-19 tour, a landmark moment for Indian cricket as it was the country’s first-ever Test series win on Australian soil. His marathon knocks, which yielded 521 runs in the four Tests, were instrumental in that triumph. He also played a vital part in the subsequent series victory Down Under in 2020-21.
“Wearing the Indian jersey, singing the anthem, and trying my best each time I stepped on the field – it’s impossible to put into words what it truly meant,” he added, expressing his gratitude to the BCCI, Saurashtra Cricket Association, and all the teams and counties he represented. Pujara also paid tribute to his mentors, coaches, and spiritual guru, stating he would always be indebted to them.
The news of his retirement places him in a list of top Indian players who have retired from the format in the past year, following R Ashwin, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma. Beyond his playing days, Pujara has already begun a new chapter, having worked as a cricket pundit for various networks.
Pujara’s retirement marks the end of an era for a player who, through sheer determination and a purist’s approach to the game, left an indelible mark on Indian cricket. His legacy will be that of a true Test match specialist, a man who personified the art of concentration and stood as a formidable barrier against the world’s best bowlers.