Pujara retires from all Indian cricket as good things must end

Pujara retires from all Indian cricket as good things must end

Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara has announced his retirement from international cricket. The 37-year-old played 103 Tests and scored 7,195 runs, including 19 hundreds and 35 fifties.

Cheteshwar Pujara, one of India’s most respected Test cricketers, has announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket with immediate effect. The 37-year-old shared the news on his social media, expressing deep gratitude for the journey he’s had. “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 wrote. Though he hasn’t played a Test match since June 2023, Pujara’s legacy remains firmly etched in Indian cricket history.

Pujara made his international debut in October 2010 and went on to play 103 Tests and five ODIs. He scored 7,195 runs in Tests at an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries and 35 fifties. Known for his solid technique and patience, he became India’s go-to batter at No. 3, following in the footsteps of Rahul Dravid. He scored centuries against every Test-playing nation except Afghanistan, and was particularly successful against Australia and England, with five centuries each. His standout performance came during India’s historic 2018–19 Test series win in Australia, where he was named Player of the Series for scoring 521 runs.

Beyond international cricket, Pujara had a long domestic career with Saurashtra, starting in 2005 and continuing through the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy season. He also played county cricket for Sussex and had brief stints in the IPL with Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Kings XI Punjab, and Chennai Super Kings. However, his focus always remained on red-ball cricket, even as T20 leagues gained popularity.

In his farewell message, Pujara reflected on his journey from a small-town boy in Rajkot to representing India on the global stage. He thanked the BCCI, Saurashtra Cricket Association, and all the teams and franchises he played for. He also acknowledged the fans, saying their support and energy had been a constant source of motivation. More recently, Pujara has worked as a cricket pundit for platforms too.

Pujara’s retirement marks the end of an era, following the exits of R Ashwin, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma from Test cricket in the past year. His contribution to Indian cricket, especially in the longest format, will be remembered for its grit, grace, and unwavering commitment to the team.