Cheteshwar Pujara announces his retirement from all forms of international cricket, bringing an era of his own to an end. (Photo: X/Cheteshwar Pujara)
Cheteshwar Pujara, India's one of the most reliable stalwarts in Test cricket, brought his Indian cricket career to an end on August 24, 2025. Famous for his fierce determination, traditional technique, and knack for holding up an innings, Pujara's retirement is the ending of a great career that has had a lasting legacy in Indian cricket.
Pujara's international career started in 2010, and within a span of 15 years, he played 103 Test matches and accumulated 7,195 runs at 43.61 average. He recorded 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries, and he was always a source of solidity for the Indian batting lineup. His highest Test innings of 206 reflected his capacity to sustain through tough pressure for long hours. Among a range of notable performances, his twin tons against Australia during the challenging 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy were exceptional, going a long way in India's series victory. Other notable innings are his unbeaten 91 at Lord's in 2018 and his double ton against England at Chennai in 2021.
Pujara's signature was not only his ability with the bat but also his unflappable calm and composed temperament on and off the pitch. Seldom getting flustered, he was the epitome of patience and grittiness—traits that made him an dependable cornerstone in the Indian team. Usually likened to Rahul Dravid, Pujara was renowned for his methodical style of play, focusing for hours and doing his job without letting the spotlight get to him.
Pujara's finest knocks were all in situations where the team was under massive pressure. His resilient centuries in Australia, especially during the 2018-19 and 2020-21 tours, are spoken of highly as some of the best by any touring batsman abroad. His gritty 74 in the 2021 Gabba Test earned India a historic win after 32 years. These innings cemented his position as a match-winner who gained valuable time and set up India for success.
Pujara's last Test was during the 2023 World Test Championship final when he was a consummate professional until the end. In his retirement announcement, he gave thanks for the honor of playing for India and described how much it meant to him to wear the national jersey. His absence creates a gap among India's old-style Test specialists but solidifies his position among the best anchors in the side's history.
Cheteshwar Pujara's retirement marks the closure of a storied chapter in Indian cricket. His record of grit, technique, and unobtrusive leadership inspires young cricketers and fanatics alike and serves as a testament to virtues of patience, hard work, and perseverance in the game.
