New Delhi: Rajkot’s quiet and dependable Test specialist, Cheteshwar Pujara, has officially retired from all formats of cricket, bringing an end to his illustrious 13-year career. The 37-year-old made the announcement on social media on Sunday, reflecting on his journey from a small-town boy to one of India’s top Test batsmen.
Pujara, who last played for India in the 2023 World Test Championship final, was a vital part of the Indian batting lineup for over a decade. In a heartfelt statement, he said, “As a young boy from the small town of Rajkot, I set my sights on the stars with my parents and dreamt of being a part of the Indian cricket team. Little did I know that this sport would give me so much.”
He continued, “To wear the Indian jersey, sing the national anthem, and try to give my best every time I stepped onto the field—the real meaning of this is impossible to put into words. But as all things must come to an end, I too have decided to retire from all formats of Indian cricket.”
Pujara’s retirement follows that of fellow Test stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma earlier this year, marking the end of an era for Indian cricket.
A Career Defined by Grit and Stamina
Pujara made his Test debut in 2010 against Australia. He quickly became an integral part of the team, earning the nickname “The Wall” after Rahul Dravid for his exceptional ability to stay at the crease for long periods. His solid technique and unwavering defense often frustrated even the most potent bowling attacks.
In his 103 Test matches, Pujara scored 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, with 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries. He is currently the eighth-highest run-scorer for India in Test cricket. His prolific career also included an impressive 21,301 runs in first-class cricket. While primarily a Test specialist, he also played five ODIs for India, scoring 51 runs.
Pujara’s last appearance in an Indian jersey was in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia. His retirement leaves a significant gap in the Indian middle order, but his legacy as a batsman of immense patience and resilience will undoubtedly endure.
