No More Cheteshwar Pujara! India’s Test Titan Steps Down

Cheteshwar Pujara Retires From All Forms of Cricket: India’s Wall Bids Farewell

New Delhi, August 24, 2025 — Veteran Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara has officially announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. The 37-year-old made the announcement through an emotional post on social media platform X, bringing the curtains down on a career that spanned over 15 years and established him as one of India’s most reliable Test players.

“Wearing the Indian jersey, singing the national anthem, and giving my best every single time has been an honor beyond words. But as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. With immense gratitude, I announce my retirement from all forms of Indian cricket,” Pujara wrote in his farewell note.

A Career Built on Patience and Grit

Cheteshwar Pujara made his Test debut in 2010 against Australia in Bangalore, and went on to represent India in 103 Test matches, scoring 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60. His record includes 19 centuries and 35 fifties, making him one of the most successful No. 3 batters in India’s Test history.

While his international appearances in ODIs were limited—just five matches—his legacy lies firmly in Test cricket, where his old-school technique and extraordinary patience earned him comparisons with Rahul Dravid.

Pujara’s domestic career was equally remarkable. He scored 21,301 first-class runs with 66 centuries, placing him fourth among Indian players with the most first-class tons, behind only Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, and Dravid. His contributions for Saurashtra, including two Ranji Trophy titles in 2019–20 and 2022–23, cemented his reputation as a giant in India’s domestic circuit.

Memorable Highs: The Australian Epics

Cheteshwar Pujara’s most celebrated moments came overseas, particularly in Australia.

• In 2018–19, he amassed 521 runs, including three centuries, playing a decisive role in India’s first-ever Test series win Down Under. He was named Player of the Series for his heroics.
• In 2021, during the historic Gabba Test, Pujara took 11 blows to his body from Australian fast bowlers but refused to budge, anchoring the innings that led to India’s series-clinching victory. His grit in that match made him a modern-day symbol of resilience.

Reactions From the Cricketing World

Tributes poured in immediately after Pujara’s announcement.

• Former India coach Ravi Shastri called him a “real warrior”, crediting him for India’s dominance in Test cricket during the last decade.
• Legendary opener Sunil Gavaskar said: “Take a bow, Cheteshwar. You have made India proud.”
• BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia remarked: “Cheteshwar Pujara’s career is a shining example of perseverance and selflessness. He proved that success at the highest level is possible while sticking to traditional values of batting.”

Politician and cricket enthusiast Shashi Tharoor added a touch of criticism, saying Cheteshwar Pujara deserved a more dignified farewell with a proper send-off match, a sentiment echoed by fans who felt India failed to honor one of its greatest servants adequately.

No Farewell Match, Just Like Other Legends

Pujara joins a list of Indian greats, including Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, and MS Dhoni, who retired without a formal farewell game. This has sparked renewed debate about how India celebrates its stalwarts and whether cricket boards should ensure dignified exits for long-serving players.

Legacy Beyond Numbers

More than his statistics, Cheteshwar Pujara will be remembered for embodying the values of classical Test match batting—patience, resilience, and unwavering concentration. In an era dominated by power-hitting and T20 cricket, he stood as a reminder of the timeless virtues of occupying the crease and wearing down bowlers.

Hailing from Rajkot, Gujarat, Pujara rose from India’s domestic circuit to become the nation’s go-to man in crisis situations. For a decade, his presence at No. 3 provided India stability and belief, particularly in away tours.

Conclusion

Cheteshwar Pujara’s retirement marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. Known as India’s modern “Wall,” he leaves behind a legacy of unmatched grit and determination. His 103 Tests, countless hours at the crease, and memorable knocks in hostile conditions will continue to inspire generations of cricketers who value patience and perseverance over flair.

As India moves forward, Pujara’s name will remain synonymous with resilience—a cricketer who faced every challenge head-on, often quite literally, and stood tall as the embodiment of traditional Test cricket.

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