Indian Test cricket stalwart Cheteshwar Pujara has officially retired from all forms of cricket on August 24, 2025, marking the end of an illustrious career built on patience, grit, and resilience. Known as one of India’s most reliable Test batsmen, Pujara wasn’t flashy or loud on the field. Instead, his calm temperament and rock-solid technique made him the backbone of India’s Test batting line-up for more than a decade.
Early Life and Cricketing Start
Born in Rajkot, Gujarat, Pujara was introduced to cricket at a young age by his father, who himself was a cricketer. His early dedication and disciplined approach shaped his batting style—focused on long hours at the crease rather than aggressive stroke play. Pujara made his Test debut in 2010 against Australia, stepping into international cricket with the same calm determination that would later define his career.
His Cricket Journey
Over 15 years of Test cricket, Pujara played 103 Test matches, scoring 7,195 runs at an impressive average of 43.60. He registered 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries, making him India’s 8th highest run-scorer in Test history. While he didn’t play much white-ball cricket, his contributions in the longest format were invaluable.
Pujara’s batting was often compared to Rahul Dravid, and he seamlessly took over the No.3 position in India’s Test batting order, shielding the middle order from the new ball and tiring bowlers with his unbreakable defense.
The 2018–19 Australia Tour – His Finest Hour
Pujara’s greatest achievement came during India’s historic Test series win in Australia in 2018–19. He was the cornerstone of India’s success, scoring 521 runs, including three centuries, at an average of 74.42. More importantly, he faced a staggering 1,258 balls, blunting Australia’s lethal pace attack.
His patience and determination ensured India clinched their first-ever Test series victory on Australian soil, a feat celebrated as one of the finest moments in Indian cricket history.
Why Cheteshwar Pujara Was Irreplaceable
- He carried forward the legacy of Rahul Dravid at No.3.
- Against Australia alone, he averaged 49.38 with 5 centuries.
- He consistently delivered overseas, a rare quality among Indian batsmen.
- Remarkably, Pujara faced more deliveries in his Test career than Sunil Gavaskar, reflecting his ability to occupy the crease for hours and wear down the best bowling attacks.
The Significance of His Retirement
Cheteshwar Pujara’s retirement is not just the end of a career but the end of an era of classic Test batting. In modern cricket, dominated by T20 leagues and aggressive batting styles, Pujara’s old-school resilience stood out. His game was built on patience, defense, and endurance—qualities increasingly rare in today’s fast-paced cricketing world.
As India bids farewell to one of its greatest Test match anchors, Pujara leaves behind a legacy of discipline, determination, and dignity. His contribution to Indian cricket, especially in overseas conditions, ensures he will always be remembered as the “Wall 2.0” of Indian cricket.
