India’s rock at No. 3, Cheteshwar Pujara, has officially retired from all formats at the age of 37, ending an era of resilience and technical mastery. Over a career spanning 103 Test matches, he scored 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries and 35 fifties. Revered for his calmness and old-school approach, Pujara was widely regarded as the backbone of India’s batting in the longest format.
The announcement came through an emotional post where Pujara thanked fans, teammates, and the cricket board for their support. “All good things must come to an end… Wearing the Indian jersey and singing the anthem is a feeling I can’t put into words,” he wrote. His decision sparked a wave of tributes from across the cricketing world, underlining his immense contribution to the game.
Pujara played a defining role in some of India’s greatest Test triumphs, particularly the back-to-back series wins in Australia. His standout performance came in 2018–19, when he amassed 521 runs in seven innings to script India’s historic maiden series victory Down Under, earning him the Player of the Series award. In the 2020–21 series, he once again absorbed countless blows on his body but refused to yield, becoming the symbol of India’s grit as they pulled off a remarkable win at the Gabba.
Known as “India’s modern-day wall,” Pujara’s classical technique and unwavering temperament brought balance to a batting era dominated by flair. Cricket legends praised his departure with heartfelt messages. Sachin Tendulkar called him “a reassuring presence at No. 3,” while VVS Laxman lauded his courage to fight through the toughest phases. Yuvraj Singh and Anil Kumble hailed him as a true ambassador of Test cricket, while countless fans labeled him “a modern-day Test match warrior.”
Pujara’s career was also marked by dominance in domestic cricket. Representing Saurashtra, he registered multiple double-hundreds and even three triple-centuries in the Ranji Trophy. Beyond India, his stints with Yorkshire and Sussex in county cricket reinforced his reputation as a dependable run-scorer in challenging conditions.
His journey began with a debut against Australia in 2010 at Bengaluru, where his composure hinted at a long career ahead. Fifteen years later, Pujara exits as one of India’s top ten Test run-getters, leaving behind a legacy defined by patience and perseverance in an era of fast-paced cricket.
As cricket evolves toward a power-hitting future, Pujara’s retirement marks the end of a breed of players who prized time at the crease over strike rates. He was a reminder that Test cricket is a battle of attrition as much as skill. For fans and teammates, Cheteshwar Pujara will forever remain a symbol of resilience—a player who turned defense into an art form and inspired a generation with his unyielding spirit.
12BET Shortlisted for Sportsbook Operator of the Year at SBC Awards 2025