Cheteshwar Pujara Retirement: End of an Era in Indian Cricket
Cheteshwar Pujara, a solid Test batsman for India, has formally announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket. The announcement on Sunday signals the end of an iconic era for the veteran cricketer. He anchored India’s batting lineup for over a decade.
An Instrumental Player of Indian Test Cricket
Pujara was selected to play internationally for the first time in 2010. It was when he took his place in the batting order against Australia. Within no time he found his footing in the vital No. 3 position in Test cricket. In various aspects, the image is at the same time, still. After 103 Tests played between 2010-2023 (with the last test played in January 2023), he has scored 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, including 19 hundreds and 35 fifties.
Pujara has been variously dubbed, the new Wall of India cricket. His dedication and focus have often drawn comparisons to Rahul Dravid. His practical mind in seeing off either of the opening bowlers is especially important in our away tours. It stabilizing the innings was valuable in winning us overseas tours for India.
Although Pujara’s ODI career was brief as he only played five times and scored a measly 51 runs as an ODI player. He proved to be a specialist in the Test game as he developed into one of the most rated producers in the history of the international game.
Pujara’s Retirement Announcement
In his heartfelt retirement message, Pujara thought back on his journey:
“As a young boy from the small town of Rajkot, I, with my parents, was reaching for the stars and wanted to play for the Indian cricket team.” At that time, I did not think this game would give me so much – valuable opportunities, experiences, purpose, love and most importantly, the platform to represent my state and this great country.”
He thanked the BCCI, the Saurashtra Cricket Association, his playing peers, coaches, support staff and fans along his journey. Pujara also mentioned the sacrifices of his family, particularly his wife Puja and daughter Aditi, who were unfathomably supportive throughout his playing career.
Legacy Beyond Numbers
Pujara’s career never relied on flashing sixes or audacious shot-making. Rather, it was based on tenacity, determination and a simple desire to keep going. He was the unsung hero in many important Test victories for India, including the famous Border-Gavaskar Trophy series victory in Australia (2018–19), where his marathon innings troubled the very best bowlers and propelled India to a historic victory.
While T20 leagues and white-ball cricket dominate the world, Pujara represented the old-fashioned Test match batting – where the sheer act of batting and occupying the crease and wearing down the opponent still matters.
What’s Next
While Pujara may be walking away from Indian cricket, he has not completely ruled out playing any role in the game. After a long career in the game, many believe he could be influential in helping young cricketers, or possibly in a coaching role in the near future.
His retirement is all over the sports news headlines today, as fans and pundits pay tribute to one of India’s greatest and hardest cricketers.
Final Goodbye
Cheteshwar Pujara’s retirement is an end of the road. A player, with grit and determination, that will leave a legacy to inspire generations of cricketers. He will always will be remembered for more than the figures from his career – he was the rock, the warrior, and the quiet champion who gave his all every time he wore the Indian shirt.
