Some retirements hit harder than others. For me, hearing that Cheteshwar Pujara has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket feels like the closing of a golden chapter. For over a decade, whenever the Indian Cricket Team needed stability at the crease, one man stood like a wall — calm, determined, and unshaken. Today, that wall has bid us goodbye.
Pujara shared his passionate statement on X (previously Twitter), writing: “Wearing the Indian jersey, singing the anthem, and giving my all every time I stepped on the field — it’s impossible to put into words what it truly meant.” He added, “But all good things must come to an end…”. With those heartfelt words, Cheteshwar Pujara retires at 37, gently signing off and leaving fans with memories they will cherish forever.
A Career Carved in Patience and Grit
Pujara’s stats reveal only half of the picture. 103 Tests, 7,195 runs, 19 centuries, and a 43.60 average. But it wasn’t simply the runs that distinguished him; it was the manner in which he performed. His batting was never about dazzling strokes or fast fifties. Instead, it was about tenacity, commitment, and a willingness to bat longer than anyone.
At home, he was practically unbeatable, averaging more than 52. In 2012, he scored his first century against New Zealand in Hyderabad, and he followed that up with a double century against England. Who can forget his marathon double in Ranchi, when he batted for over 11 hours and faced 525 deliveries? That was Pujara at his best: unshakeable and relentless.
The Wall Away from Home
If India celebrated back-to-back series wins in Australia, Pujara was at the heart of it. In 2018-19, he scored three match-defining centuries that guided India to their first-ever series victory Down Under. Two years later, in 2020-21, he turned into a warrior. Facing the likes of Cummins, Hazlewood, and Starc, he absorbed 928 deliveries across four Tests, wearing body blows but never giving up his wicket. His gritty 56 in Brisbane is still fresh in memory — it wasn’t just a score, it was a statement of resilience.
Even in England and South Africa, he showed what batting for the team truly means. His 132* in Southampton in 2018 remains one of the most underrated innings on seaming tracks. While others fell around him, Pujara fought alone, proving once again why the Indian Cricket Team trusted him with the No. 3 spot.
More Than Just Runs
Aside from his numbers, Pujara exemplified something rare in modern cricket: patience. In an era of T20 fireworks and fast runs, he reminded us of the joys of Test cricket: fighting sessions, leaving balls outside off, and grinding bowlers into frustration.
He maintained the flame of red-ball cricket for Saurashtra, his domestic team, as well as Sussex in county cricket. He never complained despite being sidelined from the Indian team following the World Test Championship final in 2023. He simply went back, scored, and inspired.
Saying Goodbye to a Legend
It’s never easy saying goodbye to players like Pujara. He wasn’t the loudest voice in the locker room, nor was he continually making headlines. But ask any true cricket fan, and they will tell you that his calm presence was invaluable. He was the player you relied on when India needed to rescue a Test, the man who took hits so that others may thrive.
Conclusion
Cheteshwar Pujara’s retirement leaves us with a bittersweet feeling. Grateful for everything he gave the Indian Cricket Team, but sad that we won’t see him walking out at No. 3 anymore. Cricket needs its warriors, and Pujara was one of the finest.
As fans, perhaps the best tribute we can give him is to never forget the lessons he taught us: patience, discipline, and the courage to stand tall when the world is throwing everything at you.
👉 Thank you, Pujara, for the memories. The wall may have stepped away, but it will never crumble in our hearts.
For a detailed look at Cheteshwar Pujara’s career numbers and records, you can check his full stats on ESPN Cricinfo.
Also Read:
Keshav Maharaj Becomes a Legend in South African Cricket; This Moment Will Be Remembered Forever
Aiden Markram Smashes Third ODI Half-Century Against Australia – Check His Stats
FAQs
Yes, Cheteshwar Pujara retires has officially announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket in August 2025.
Pujara played 103 Test matches and 5 ODIs for the Indian Cricket Team after making his debut in 2010.
He scored 7,195 runs in Test cricket at an impressive average of 43.60, including 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries.
Cheteshwar Pujara retires after a long and illustrious career, citing that it was the right time to step aside and allow the next generation of cricketers to take charge. His decision reflects both his respect for the game and his gratitude toward Indian cricket fans.
