In what marks the end of an illustrious era in Indian cricket, veteran Test batter Cheteshwar Pujara has officially announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket. Widely regarded as the modern-day “wall” of India’s Test side, Pujara brought stability, resilience, and unmatched grit to India’s batting order for over a decade.
The 37-year-old announced his decision on X (formerly Twitter), reflecting on his journey with immense gratitude and humility.
“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. But as they say, all good things must come to an end, and with immense gratitude I have decided to retire from all forms of Indian cricket,” Cheteshwar Pujara wrote in his heartfelt message.
A Reliable No.3 for Over a Decade
Cheteshwar Pujara made his debut in 2010 against Australia and went on to feature in 103 Tests and 5 ODIs for India. Over the years, he became synonymous with the No.3 position in India’s Test batting lineup – the bridge between openers and the middle order.
- Matches (Tests): 103
- Runs: 7,195
- Average: 43.60
- Hundreds: 19
- Fifties: 35
- Best Test Average at Home: 52.58
At home, he accumulated 3,839 runs, but his impact stretched far beyond statistics. He was the glue of India’s Test team, often soaking pressure and wearing down world-class bowling attacks. His last Test appearance came during the World Test Championship final against Australia in June 2023 at The Oval.
Early Career & Breakthrough
Cheteshwar Pujara’s journey to the national team began with his consistent performances for Saurashtra in domestic cricket. His solid technique and calm temperament quickly caught the selectors’ eyes.
He scored his first Test century against New Zealand in Hyderabad in 2012 and followed it up with a double century against England at Ahmedabad the same year. His hunger for long innings reminded many of Rahul Dravid, with whom he was often compared.
Cheteshwar Pujara Career Stats & Records
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | 100s | 50s | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test Cricket | 103 | 7,195 | 43.60 | 19 | 35 | 206* |
| ODI Cricket | 5 | 51 | 10.20 | 0 | 0 | 27 |
| First-Class | 278 | 21,301 | 51.82 | 66 | — | 352 |
| List A | 119 | 4,674 | 54.07 | 13 | 32 | 158* |
| T20s | 71 | 1,350 | 29.34 | 0 | 8 | 69 |
Memorable Test Knocks
Throughout his career, Cheteshwar Pujara played some of the most defining knocks in modern Indian Test history:
- Johannesburg, 2013: A gritty 153 against South Africa, batting nearly six hours on a challenging pitch.
- Sri Lanka, 2015: An unbeaten 145 as an opener, displaying remarkable patience and concentration.
- England, 2018: A fighting 132* in Southampton when every other batter struggled against the swinging ball.
- Ranchi, 2017 vs Australia: A marathon double hundred, where he batted for more than 11 hours (525 balls).
- Australia, 2018-19 Series: Three centuries (Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney) to guide India to their historic first-ever Test series win Down Under.
- Australia, 2020-21 Series: Despite repeated blows to his body, he absorbed 928 deliveries across four Tests. His defiant 56 in Brisbane paved the way for India’s legendary series win.
These innings are etched into Indian cricket’s memory, not just for the runs scored but for the courage, patience, and determination he displayed.
Nicknamed “The Wall 2.0”
While Rahul Dravid was celebrated as “The Wall,” Cheteshwar Pujara earned the title of “The Wall 2.0.” His ability to blunt world-class pace attacks, especially in foreign conditions, made him invaluable. In an era dominated by aggressive batting and T20 flair, Cheteshwar Pujara stood out as a purist of Test cricket, proving that patience and perseverance still win matches.
First-Class Legacy
Beyond international cricket, Cheteshwar Pujara‘s domestic career is equally decorated. He played 278 First-Class matches, scoring 21,301 runs at an average of 51.82, with 66 centuries, including three triple centuries.
He also had successful stints in County Cricket for Sussex, where he piled on runs consistently, further strengthening his reputation as a red-ball specialist.
Reactions Pour In
The cricketing fraternity, former teammates, and fans have all showered praise on Cheteshwar Pujara for his contributions.
- Jaydev Shah, President of Saurashtra Cricket Association, said: “Today marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in Indian and Saurashtra cricket as Cheteshwar, one of the game’s most committed and technically gifted batsmen, announces his retirement.”
- Several former Indian cricketers also hailed Pujara’s courage and commitment, recalling his ability to withstand fast-bowling barrages and still find a way to score crucial runs.
What Cheteshwar Pujara Symbolized for India
Pujara’s career wasn’t just about numbers; it was about sacrifice, patience, and resilience. While others played flashy strokes, he was content grinding bowlers down. His role was often unglamorous but vital – the man who absorbed pressure so that others could flourish.
He was India’s shield in hostile conditions, the batter who faced the storm so that his team could emerge victorious. His selfless style ensured that Test cricket lovers always had a hero to look up to.
The End of a Glorious Journey
As Cheteshwar Pujara bows out, Indian cricket bids farewell to one of its finest Test specialists. His career stands as a reminder of the timeless value of patience, grit, and mental toughness in cricket’s longest format.
Though India will now look at younger talents to step into his shoes, Pujara’s contribution will continue to inspire future generations.
Cheteshwar Pujara retires not just as a cricketer but as a symbol of dedication, discipline, and determination. His legacy is carved in India’s greatest Test victories, especially overseas. For fans of traditional Test cricket, his absence will leave a void difficult to fill.
Disclaimer : This article is a news feature intended for informational purposes only. All quotes, records, and statistics are sourced from publicly available information at the time of writing.
