Cheteshwar Pujara Retires: The End of an Era in Indian Cricket.

Cheteshwar Pujara Retires: The End of an Era in Indian Cricket

Cheteshwar Pujara, one of India's most dependable and iconic Test cricketers, has announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket as of August 24, 2025. Pujara, aged 37, bid farewell to international cricket after a distinguished career spanning nearly 15 years, during which he played 103 Test matches and amassed 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60. His career achievements include 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries, cementing his legacy as one of India's finest No. 3 batsmen, succeeding none other than Rahul Dravid in that crucial position.

Pujara made his Test debut against Australia in Bengaluru in October 2010 and became a pillar of India's Test squad with his grit, patience, and technical mastery, especially in red-ball cricket. He was instrumental in many historic series wins against top oppositions, notably India's first Test series victory in Australia in 2018-19, where he was the Player of the Series with 521 runs, and again contributing significantly to the 2020-21 series win in Australia and the 2023 home series. Known as the 'new Wall' after Dravid, Pujara was celebrated for his resilience, ability to play long innings, and stand firm against world-class bowling attacks.

Beyond international cricket, Pujara boasts a prolific first-class career with over 21,000 runs at an impressive average above 50, including 66 hundreds and 18 double centuries, ranking fifth in history for the most double hundreds. He was also the first Indian cricketer to score three triple centuries in first-class cricket. Pujara has played domestically for Saurashtra, featuring in the recent Ranji Trophy season, and had stints in English county cricket with Sussex, where he excelled as a player and captain.

His emotional retirement announcement on social media expressed the profound honor of wearing the Indian jersey, singing the national anthem, and giving his best on the field. He thanked fans, teammates, coaches, and family for their love and support throughout his career.

Pujara’s retirement marks the end of an era for Indian Test cricket, as he joins other legends like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin in moving on from international cricket. Former Indian captain Anil Kumble lauded Pujara’s contributions and honored his distinguished career.

In summary, Cheteshwar Pujara leaves behind a legacy defined not by aggressive stroke play but by sheer mental toughness, discipline, and dedication to Test cricket, revered by fans and colleagues alike as a quintessential team player and one of the game's greats.