New Delhi, 24 August 2025:
Cheteshwar Pujara, one of India’s finest Test batters of the modern era, has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.
The 37-year-old confirmed the decision on Sunday, drawing the curtain on a career that delivered 7,195 runs in 103 Tests at an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries and 35 fifties.
“Wearing the Indian jersey, singing the anthem, and giving my best each time I stepped onto the field – it’s impossible to truly put into words what it meant,” Pujara said in a post on X. “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 was India’s rock at No.3 for more than a decade, stepping into the role vacated by Rahul Dravid and often carrying the batting load in overseas conditions. His grit and concentration were legendary – perhaps never more so than during India’s breakthrough Test series win in Australia in 2018-19, where he scored 521 runs and was named Player of the Series.
He made his Test debut against Australia in Bengaluru in 2010 and went on to feature in several famous victories against the same opposition. His last appearance for India came in the 2023 World Test Championship final at The Oval.
While his white-ball career was limited to just five ODIs, Pujara remained a giant of the domestic game, debuting for Saurashtra in 2005 and turning out for the side as recently as last season’s Ranji Trophy. He also spent stints in county cricket in England.
Reflecting on his journey, Pujara said: “As a little boy from Rajkot, I dreamt of playing for India. This game has given me so much – opportunities, experiences, purpose, love, and, above all, the honour of representing my state and my country.”
Pujara thanked the BCCI, Saurashtra Cricket Association, the counties and franchises he represented, as well as the fans: “The game has taken me around the world – and the passionate support of the fans has always been a constant. Thank you for all the love and support.”
