Cheteshwar Pujara, one of India’s most dependable and respected Test batsmen, has officially announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket. The 36-year-old cricketer, known for his resilience and classical technique, made the announcement through a heartfelt social media post, marking the end of a storied career that began in 2010.
Pujara leaves behind a remarkable legacy in Indian cricket, having played 103 Test matches and scoring 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60. Often hailed as the backbone of India’s Test batting lineup, his ability to grind out innings in challenging conditions made him a vital part of some of India’s most iconic Test victories.
A Gritty Batter Who Anchored India’s Golden Test Era
Pujara’s contributions were most evident during India’s historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumphs in Australia. His stubborn and stoic batting in the 2018-19 and 2020-21 series played a crucial role in India’s back-to-back series wins Down Under. In fact, he averaged an impressive 47.28 in Australian conditions—some of the toughest in world cricket.
Not only was he a rock in the Indian Test side, but Pujara also carved an incredible career in domestic cricket. He amassed a staggering 21,301 runs in First-class cricket at an average of 51.82, making him one of the all-time greats in the format. His domestic dominance laid the foundation for his international success and longevity in the game.
Emotional Farewell from Rajkot’s Favorite Son
In his retirement statement, Pujara reflected on his journey from the small town of Rajkot to the Indian dressing room. “As a little boy from the small town of Rajkot, along with my parents, I set out to aim for the stars and dreamt to be a part of the Indian cricket team,” he wrote.
He expressed deep gratitude to the BCCI, Saurashtra Cricket Association, and all the teams and counties he represented. “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,” he added.
Pujara’s announcement comes at a time when Indian cricket is witnessing a transition. His retirement follows those of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and R Ashwin from the Test format, marking the end of a golden era for Indian red-ball cricket.
While stepping away from the field, Pujara has already hinted at his next chapter. He was recently part of the commentary team during India’s Test series in England and appeared at ease in the broadcast box, suggesting a natural shift into media and analysis.
