New Delhi, August 24:
India’s dependable Test batter Cheteshwar Pujara on Saturday announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket, bringing the curtains down on a distinguished career that spanned over a decade. The 37-year-old made the announcement through a post on X (formerly Twitter).
“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,” Pujara wrote.
Pujara, who made his international debut in 2010, represented India in 103 Tests and 5 ODIs. He amassed 7,195 runs in the longest format at an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries and 35 fifties. Known for his resilience at No. 3, he was instrumental in several of India’s most memorable Test victories, both at home and overseas. At home, he scored 3,839 runs at an impressive average of 52.58.
His final outing in the Indian jersey came during the World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval in June 2023. While India has since experimented with new top-order options, Pujara continued to shine in domestic cricket for Saurashtra and in the County Championship with Sussex.
In first-class cricket, Pujara retires with a monumental record of 21,301 runs from 278 matches at an average of 51.82, including 66 centuries and three triple hundreds.
Widely regarded as the backbone of India’s Test batting for more than a decade, Pujara leaves behind a legacy of grit, patience, and unmatched determination.
