Chandigarh, August 24: Cheteshwar Pujara, the veteran batter who anchored India’s Test middle order for more than a decade, has retired from all forms of cricket.
The Saurashtra right-hander shared the news on X, saying the decision came with gratitude and emotion. “Representing India, singing the national anthem, and giving my all on the field has been an honour beyond words. But every journey has its conclusion, and with a full heart I am retiring from all forms of Indian cricket,” Pujara noted in his post.
Over the course of his 103 Tests, the 36-year-old amassed more than 7,000 runs, carving out a reputation as one of the most resilient batters of his generation. His 19 centuries and countless long stays at the crease earned him comparisons to India’s traditional Test greats, especially during series victories overseas.
Pujara’s most memorable performances came in Australia, where his marathon innings in the 2018–19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy helped India secure their first-ever Test series win Down Under. Known for his temperament and unwavering technique, he was often described as the “wall” of Indian batting in the modern era.
In recent years, Pujara had been absent from the national side, last featuring in 2023 before focusing on domestic cricket and county stints in England. Despite his omission, his dedication to the longer format remained intact, underscoring his passion for red-ball cricket.
Tributes from teammates and fans poured in soon after his announcement, celebrating a career that embodied patience, determination and commitment to the team’s cause. The BCCI is expected to formally acknowledge his contributions to Indian cricket in the coming days.
