Cheteshwar Pujara’s Cricket Legacy, Retires from International Cricket
Patiala, 24 August (Sports Desk)
India’s Test batting mainstay, Cheteshwar Pujara, has announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket.
In a heartfelt social media post, Pujara wrote, “Wearing the Indian jersey, singing the anthem, and giving my all every time I stepped onto the field—it’s hard to express what it meant to me. But as they say, all good things must come to an end, and with deep gratitude, I have decided to retire from all forms of Indian cricket.”
Pujara’s final Test appearance was during the World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval in June 2023. The 36-year-old, who debuted against Australia in 2010, retires with 7,195 Test runs at an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries, making him India’s eighth-highest Test run-scorer.
The Saurashtra batter made an immediate impact with a match-winning 72 on debut against a strong Australian attack. Despite a slow start in his initial Tests, Pujara found his stride, particularly on home soil, delivering a string of crucial centuries in the 2012/13 season, including his maiden double century against England in Ahmedabad.
Pujara emerged as a reliable successor to Rahul Dravid at the No. 3 position, excelling at blunting the new ball with his disciplined and patient batting. He scored centuries in India, Australia, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, and Sri Lanka, showcasing his adaptability across conditions.
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In addition to his Test success, Pujara enjoyed a stellar List A career, averaging nearly 57, though opportunities in India’s star-studded white-ball teams of the 2010s were limited.
Some of Pujara’s most memorable performances came under pressure. His unbeaten 145 in Colombo was pivotal in securing a series win, while his gritty second-innings knocks of 77 in Sydney and 56 in Brisbane were instrumental in India’s historic Test series triumph in Australia in 2021. Australia proved to be a favorite opponent, with Pujara amassing 2,074 runs against them at an average of nearly 50.
Harbhajan Singh (on X)
“Cheteshwar Pujara – the unsung hero of Indian cricket. A player who always put the team before himself, who gave not just a hundred percent but everything possible for India. Your contribution to Indian cricket is immense and will be remembered for a very, very long time.”
VVS Laxman (on X)
“From the time I first saw Pujara and his potential, it was brilliant to see that potential translating into performance. His courage, grit and determination stood out and the body blows that he took in the Gabba test we won against Australia symbolised Pujara the cricketer for me, willing to give everything he has for his country. Well done @cheteshwar1 and wish you a happy and joyous second innings.”
Ajinkya Rahane (on Instagram)
“Congratulations Puji on a wonderful career. Loved every moment of playing alongside you and will always cherish our special Test wins together. Best wishes for the second innings.”
Rishbah Pant (on Instagram)
“From Sydney to the Gabba and beyond, some of my best memories came batting alongside you. I will always treasure our partnerships and your contribution to Indian cricket. Congratulations on a remarkable Test career, Puji bhai, and wishing you the very best ahead.”
Mohammed Siraj (on Instagram)
“Your dedication and your hard work have always inspired us. Thank you and all the best.”
