Cheteshwar Pujara, one of India’s most dependable Test batters, announced his retirement from Indian cricket on Sunday morning. The 37-year-old from Saurashtra confirmed the news in a heartfelt post on X, bringing the curtain down on a career that spanned over a decade.
Pujara’s career highlights
Pujara represented India in 103 Tests between 2010 and 2023. He scored 7,195 runs, which included 19 centuries. Known for his patience and solid technique, he was often the backbone of India’s batting in the longest format.
He played a crucial role in India’s historic Test series wins in Australia — first under Virat Kohli’s leadership in 2018-19 and again under Ajinkya Rahane in 2020-21. His ability to bat long hours and blunt the opposition attack made him one of India’s finest No. 3 batters.
Pujara retired as India’s eighth-highest run-scorer in Test cricket.
Bumrah’s emotional message
India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who shared many tours with Pujara, paid tribute through Instagram stories. He shared a picture of the veteran and wrote, “Cricket will miss you Pujji bhai. Wish you success on your next chapter.”
Legends hail Pujara
Several stalwarts of Indian cricket also celebrated Pujara’s contributions.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir praised his fighting spirit. On X, he wrote, “He stood tall when the storm raged, he fought when hope was fading. Congratulations Pujji.”
He stood tall when the storm raged, he fought when hope was fading. Congratulations Pujji 🇮🇳@cheteshwar1 pic.twitter.com/0Tj836uoO9
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) August 24, 2025
Sachin Tendulkar called him a pillar of India’s Test side. “Pujara, it was always reassuring to see you walk out at No. 3. You brought calm, courage, and a deep love for Test cricket every time you played. Your solid technique, patience, and composure under pressure have been a pillar for the team. Out of many, the 2018 series win in Australia stands out, it wouldn’t have been possible without your incredible resilience and match-winning runs. Congratulations on a wonderful career. Good luck for the next chapter. Enjoy your second innings!”
Pujara, it was always reassuring to see you walk out at No.3.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 24, 2025
You brought calm, courage, and a deep love for Test cricket every time you played.
Your solid technique, patience, and composure under pressure have been a pillar for the team. Out of many, the 2018 series win in… pic.twitter.com/p0mWKfD9zm
Former head coach Ravi Shastri described him as a warrior. “A real warrior. He was instrumental in my stint as coach for India being the No1 side for 5 years on the trot and the 2 back to back series wins in Australia where he was simply brilliant. Well done Puji. God bless. @cheteshwar1.”
A real warrior. He was instrumental in my stint as coach for India being the No1 side for 5 years on the trot and the 2 back to back series wins in Australia where he was simply brilliant. Well done Puji . God bless. @cheteshwar1 pic.twitter.com/4rpsngvnkP
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) August 24, 2025