Indian cricket’s most trusted Test batsman, Cheteshwar Pujara, has officially announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket. Known for his solid technique and calm temperament, Pujara carried forward the legacy of Rahul Dravid and became India’s go-to man in the toughest situations.
His retirement marks the end of an era where patience and grit defined batting in the five-day game.
Career Highlights
- Test Matches: 103
- Runs: 7,195
- Average: 43.60
- Centuries: 19
- Fifties: 35
- Highest Score: 206*
Pujara stands as India’s eighth-highest run-scorer in Test cricket, and one of the few who valued time at the crease as much as runs on the board.
In domestic cricket, he was a giant. With 21,000+ first-class runs and 66 centuries, Pujara dominated Ranji Trophy seasons and played a major role in making Saurashtra a champion team.
Memorable Performances by Pujara
- Australia 2018–19: Pujara scored 521 runs and faced over 1,200 deliveries. His three centuries made India’s first-ever series win in Australia possible. He was named Player of the Series.
- Gabba, Brisbane 2021: His 56 runs off 211 balls were not about numbers but about courage. Hit multiple times by Australian bowlers, Pujara refused to give up. His resilience allowed India to script a historic win at the Gabba.
- Double Centuries: From his 206 vs England in Ahmedabad (2012)* to his marathon 202 vs Australia in Ranchi (2017), Pujara mastered the art of building big scores.
Contribution to Indian Cricket
Pujara’s strength was his ability to wear down bowlers. While others played stroke-filled knocks, he played the long game, ensuring India always had a strong base. He proved that even in the age of T20 cricket, classical Test batting still had value.
Tributes from legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, Anil Kumble, and Ravichandran Ashwin highlighted how Pujara embodied the spirit of Test cricket.
Domestic and County Cricket
- For Saurashtra, Pujara was a pillar. He inspired his team to Ranji Trophy wins in 2019-20 and 2022-23. His early triple-hundreds are still part of Indian domestic folklore.
- In England’s county circuit, especially for Sussex, he scored heavily, including multiple double centuries in 2022–23. This showed that his old-school batting style worked in any conditions.
Cheteshwar Pujara’s retirement is not just about the runs he scored. It is about the philosophy of patience and discipline he brought to cricket. In a world of quick runs and short formats, Pujara reminded everyone that Test cricket is about endurance, character, and mental strength.
He may no longer walk out at No. 3 for India, but his template of batting will continue to guide future generations.
Key Records of Cheteshwar Pujara
- 7,195 Test runs at 43.60 average
- 19 Test centuries
- 21,301 first-class runs with 66 centuries
- Part of India’s historic Test wins in Australia and at the Gabba
- Backbone of Saurashtra’s Ranji Trophy success
Cheteshwar Pujara retires as a true Test match warrior, who gave India unforgettable moments and countless hours of stability at the crease. His legacy will live on as one of the finest exponents of classical batting in modern times.
