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Cheteshwar Pujara has announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket. His decision marks the end of a career built on grit, patience, and resilience. The 37-year-old, India’s most dependable No. 3 in Test cricket, confirmed the news on X (formerly Twitter).
In his farewell note, Pujara wrote: “Wearing the Indian jersey, singing the national anthem, and giving my all each time I stepped on the field – words cannot capture how special it has been. But as all journeys must conclude, I have decided to retire from all forms of Indian cricket with immense gratitude.”
Cheteshwar Pujara’s Test Career and Achievements ✨
Pujara made his debut in 2010 and soon became a pillar of India’s batting line-up. Over the next 13 years, he played 103 Tests and 5 ODIs. He scored 7,195 Test runs at an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries and 35 fifties.
At home, his record was even more dominant. He scored 3,839 runs at an average of 52.58, which underlined his strength on Indian pitches. Moreover, his presence at the crease gave confidence to teammates and stability to the team. For more than a decade, Cheteshwar Pujara anchored India’s innings while stroke-makers played around him. Consequently, he earned a reputation as one of the most reliable No. 3s in world cricket.
Cheteshwar Pujara’s Memorable Innings 💯
Throughout his career, Pujara produced several iconic knocks. For instance, in 2012 at Hyderabad, he scored his maiden Test century against New Zealand. Later that year, he followed it up with a double century against England in Ahmedabad and another ton at Wankhede.
In 2013 at Johannesburg, he batted nearly six hours for a gritty 153. Two years later in Colombo, he opened the innings and played a match-winning knock of 145. Meanwhile, in 2017 at Ranchi, he batted for 672 minutes and faced 525 balls for a double hundred against Australia, which highlighted his unmatched patience.
In 2018 at Southampton, he stood tall on a seaming track, producing an unbeaten 132 while others struggled. As a result of such efforts, he became one of only three Indians – alongside ML Jaisimha and Ravi Shastri – to bat on all five days of a Test match.
Cheteshwar Pujara and Australia Series Wins 🇮🇳🔥
Pujara’s career will forever be linked with India’s famous triumphs in Australia.
During the 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he scored three centuries – in Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney. Therefore, his runs laid the foundation for India’s first-ever series win in Australia.
Two years later, in the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Pujara showcased even greater grit. He faced 928 balls across four Tests. Moreover, he absorbed several body blows from Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc but never backed down. His defiant 56 in Brisbane played a huge role in India’s historic win at the Gabba.
Cheteshwar Pujara’s Legacy in Indian Cricket 🙌
Numbers alone cannot define Cheteshwar Pujara. Instead, his legacy lies in how he became a symbol of resilience and classical Test match batting. While modern cricket celebrates fast scoring and flashy shots, Pujara reminded fans of the beauty of patience and mental strength.
Often compared to Rahul Dravid, Pujara earned the title of India’s “Wall 2.0.” Furthermore, his calmness under pressure, his ability to face hundreds of balls, and his team-first attitude made him one of India’s greatest Test specialists.
Even after his last Test, the 2023 World Test Championship Final against Australia, he kept playing red-ball cricket. In addition to representing Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy, he also featured for Sussex in county cricket. This proved his love for the game never faded.
Conclusion: Thank You, Cheteshwar Pujara 👏
Cheteshwar Pujara leaves behind unforgettable memories – from Adelaide to Sydney, from Ranchi to Johannesburg. His career will be remembered for courage, patience, and the true spirit of Test cricket.
Therefore, as India bids farewell to one of its modern legends, his absence at No. 3 will surely be felt. However, his influence and example will guide the next generation of Indian batters.
