Cheteshwar Pujara, one of India’s finest Test batters, announced his retirement from competitive cricket on Sunday, August 24. In an age where players try to adapt across all formats, Pujara stood out by sticking to his strengths — a rock-solid defense, immense patience, and the ability to bat for long hours. He was the classic Test batter India needed, especially at No. 3, taking over the mantle from the great Rahul Dravid.
Pujara’s legacy isn’t just built on runs but on time spent at the crease — a rare quality in the modern game. He frustrated bowlers with his grit and became a cornerstone of India’s Test dominance, especially overseas.
The Man Who Redefined Batting Time
For Cheteshwar Pujara, occupying the crease was more than a skill — it was an art. His ability to grind bowlers down and play marathon innings made him an irreplaceable asset in India’s Test setup. His 525-ball innings against Australia in Ranchi (2017) remains the most balls faced by an Indian batter in a single Test innings — a true testament to his concentration and resilience.
Here’s a snapshot of some of his incredible endurance-related records:
- Most balls faced by an Indian in a Test innings: 525 vs Australia (2017)
- Third-most balls faced for India in Test wins: 9,390
- Third-highest balls per dismissal (min 50 Tests): 98.3
- Fourth-most 200+ ball innings for India: 24 times
He was not just a blocker; he was a run-machine who knew how to build an innings, stone by stone.
Pujara at No. 3: Dravid’s Successor, India’s Shield
Cheteshwar Pujara was more than a replacement for Rahul Dravid — he became India’s go-to man at No. 3. In his 11 years in that position, he built a reputation as one of the world’s most dependable Test batters.
His stats at No. 3 speak volumes:
- 50 half-centuries or more at No. 3 — only behind legends like Dravid, Sangakkara, and Ponting
- 6,529 runs at No. 3 at an average of 44.41 with 18 centuries
Pujara also shone in first innings performances, where setting a strong base is critical. Only Sachin Tendulkar (40) and Rahul Dravid (30) have more 50+ scores in a Test’s first innings for India than Pujara (20).
At home, he was especially dominant:
- 3 double centuries in home Tests — only behind Virat Kohli (6)
King of Spin: Dominance from 2010–2019
Between 2010 and 2019, no one played spin better than Pujara. His average of 75.27 against spin during this period was the highest in the world (minimum 50 innings). During his peak years (2013–2019), he was virtually untouchable, with bowlers needing nearly 150 balls to dismiss him against spin.
Hero Down Under: Pujara’s Legacy in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Cheteshwar Pujara’s most iconic moments came against Australia. In the historic 2018–19 series Down Under, he was the backbone of India’s first-ever Test series win in Australia, scoring 521 runs and facing 1,258 balls — the most by any Indian in a Test series vs Australia.
He ranks among the all-time greats in BGT history:
- 16 fifty-plus scores in BGT – 4th highest overall
- 3 centuries in a single BGT series (2018–19)
- 1258 balls faced in that series – highest for India in any series vs Australia
His bravery and grit, especially during the 2020–21 series when he took multiple blows but kept batting on, will remain iconic.
Rare and Unique Records: A Class Apart
Beyond traditional stats, Pujara’s career is also filled with rare feats:
- One of only four Indian batters to carry the bat in a Test innings (145* vs Sri Lanka, 2015)
- One of only three Indians to bat on all five days of a Test match (vs Sri Lanka, 2017)
- 18 double centuries in First-Class cricket – only behind Bradman, Hammond, and Hendren globally
He even showed versatility when asked to open, averaging a stunning 79.0 in the role across 9 innings, including a century and three fifties.
Final Thoughts
Cheteshwar Pujara may not have lit up scoreboards with flashy strokes, but his value to Indian Test cricket is immeasurable. He gave India stability, calm, and a fighting spirit, especially in foreign conditions. As he hangs up his boots, Pujara leaves behind not just statistics, but a legacy of resilience, discipline, and unshakable resolve.
For a generation that grew up watching aggression and flair, Pujara was a refreshing throwback — the batter who batted, blocked, and blunted attacks to win you Test matches.
