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Cheteshwar Pujara, one of India’s most dependable Test batters of the modern era, has announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket. In an emotional statement on Sunday (August 24), the veteran from Rajkot said that representing India, wearing the national jersey, and singing the anthem were experiences ‘beyond words’
Pujara, 36, last played for India in the ICC World Test Championship final 2023 against Australia at The Oval. He represented the country in 103 Tests, scoring 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries and 35 fifties. He was India’s mainstay at No. 3 for over a decade and built his reputation on grit, calmness, and immense concentration at the crease.
Cheteshwar Pujara announces retirement from all forms of Indian cricket
In his statement, Pujara reflected on his journey He went on to thank the BCCI, Saurashtra Cricket Association, his coaches, teammates, sponsors, and especially his family, crediting their sacrifices as the foundation of his career.
“As a little boy from the small town of Rajkot, along with my parents, I set out to aim for the stars; and dreamt to be a part of the Indian cricket team. Little did I know then that this game would give me so much – invaluable opportunities, experiences, purpose, love, and above all a chance to represent my state and this great nation. 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. But as they say, all good things must come to an end, and with immense gratitude I have decided to retire from all forms of Indian cricket,”
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A stalwart for India in Test cricket
Pujara’s career was defined by his ability to bat for long hours and wear down the strongest attacks. With 103 Tests and 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, he carved out a reputation as India’s most dependable batter after Rahul Dravid. His highest score of 206* epitomized his patience and resilience. He often reminded fans that success in cricket, like in life, comes from persistence, and his approach embodied that philosophy.
Arguably his most defining moment came in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2018-19, when he scored 521 runs at 74.42, facing more than 1,200 balls. His series-defining knocks helped India clinch their first-ever Test series win in Australia. Speaking of that phase, Pujara once remarked that his role was to ‘absorb pressure so that the team could flourish,’ a selfless philosophy that became his hallmark. Often hailed as ‘Dravid’s successor’ or ‘Wall 2.0’, Pujara earned respect for valuing grit over glamour. His 19 centuries and 35 fifties came not with flamboyance but with discipline, resilience, and unshakeable focus. In his farewell note, his words reflected the same mindset: ‘All good things must come to an end… with immense gratitude I have decided to retire.’ His batting was never about personal milestones but about ensuring India’s success, whether at home against spin or abroad against pace.
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