Indian cricket said goodbye to one of their most reliable supporters in the wake of Cheteshwar Pujara declared his resignation from all forms of Indian cricket on the 24th of August 2025. The noted “Wall 2.0” for his quiet existence in the crease, Pujara’s departure marks the beginning of an era built on grit, patience, and traditional Test match batsmanship.
A Journey Etched in Test Cricket
Pujara made his debut as a Test player in 2010 against Australia and then went to play in 103 games with 7,195 runs, in an average 43.60. His total comprises 19 centuries as well as 35 fifty and many of them were carved out in challenging conditions on the international stage. For more than a decade he served as India’s anchor number three, frequently wearing down top-of-the-line attacks using his rock-solid approach.
Also, he was a home huge. In 278 First-Class matches the player scored more than 21,000 runs and 66 hundred, leaving an unbeatable record in both cricket’s Ranji Trophy as well as county cricket. For Sussex He became the most popular player with his double and triple hundred runs with incredible regularity.
Iconic Moments That Defined His Career
- 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar trophy at Australia: Pujara made three centuries while facing over 1,200 delivery. This helped guide India to their first Test series victory at home in Australia.
- The Gabba 2021: His 56 runs from 211 balls might not appear attractive however, it was one of the bravest bowls of Indian history. He was battered and bruised, but He stood his ground and fought back India achieved a historic win.
- The domestic dominance of Pujara’s desire for long stretches of innings was a demon for bowlers during the Ranji Trophy. Triple hundreds naturally came to Pujara.
Comments from the Cricketing World
The announcement of his retirement brought tears of joy from the cricketing world:
- Sunil Gavaskar called him a true Test match warrior declaring, “Take a bow Cheteshwar. You have made India proud each time you left.”
- Ravi Shastri was praised as an athlete who would never back off a fight.
- Rishabh Pant Pant, who played in memorable teams with him, shared that one of his fondest memories included batting with Pujara.
- Yuvraj, Gambhir and Laxman all conceded how much of an influence their lack had on Indian cricket.
No Farewell Match – A Quiet Exit
Like MS Dhoni, Virender Sehwag as well as Yuvraj Singh Pujara also has done so without having a goodbye game. While some fans would have hoped for a grand farewell, Pujara chose dignity and simplicity, which are the same characteristics that defined his playing.
Why Now?
Pujara has last played with India at his last match for India in the World Test Championship Final 2023. Despite scoring a lot in cricket at home the selectors favored younger players to fill the role of number three. At 37 years of age, he chose it was time for him to foot aside and allow the younger era of leaders to succeed him.
In his retirement letter Pujara thanked his teammates, coaches and his fans for their constant loyalty, noting that wearing an Indian uniform was perhaps the most prestigious honor of his career.
Legacy of a Gentleman Cricketer
Cheteshwar Pujara remains an integral pillar of Indian Test cricket. At a time when quick runs and striking shots stole the spotlight, he showcased patience and strength. Once he settled in, bowlers struggled to dismiss him, and his steady hand guided India to many notable overseas wins.
Final Word
Pujara’s retirement marks an end of an era. More than just a batsman, he was often the cornerstone that kept India together when times got rough – showing what discipline and determination can accomplish in challenging conditions.
His legacy will encourage future generations to appreciate hard work, determination and Test cricket’s beauty. We fans can only look back with admiration at all of the memories that we share thanks to him.
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