MUMBAI — Cheteshwar Pujara, one of India's most resolute and technically sound Test batsmen of the modern era, has announced his retirement from international cricket. The 37-year-old stalwart, renowned for his unwavering concentration and old-school batting virtues, brought the curtain down on a distinguished 17-year career that saw him amass over 7,000 Test runs and become the bedrock of the Indian batting lineup.
In a heartfelt social media post, Pujara confirmed the end of his journey with the Indian team, expressing profound gratitude while also clarifying his intent to continue playing domestic cricket. "I have decided to retire from international cricket. I will keep playing domestic cricket and continue to represent Saurashtra. This is not the end, my passion for the game remains as strong as ever," he stated.
A Stalwart's Journey: From Rajkot to the World Stage
Born on January 25, 1988, in Rajkot, Gujarat, Pujara's career was a testament to patience, discipline, and an insatiable appetite for runs. He burst onto the international scene in 2010, scoring a match-winning 72 on debut against Australia in Bangalore. However, it was in the subsequent years that he truly carved his niche, seamlessly stepping into the enormous void left by the retirement of the legendary Rahul Dravid at the crucial number three position.
Pujara's game was built on a foundation of a near-impeccable technique and immense mental fortitude. In an era increasingly dominated by explosive stroke-play and T20 cricket, he remained a proud anachronism, a batsman who valued his wicket above all else and specialized in wearing down bowling attacks through sheer attrition.
Pinnacle of Success: Defining Innings and Series Wins
The zenith of Pujara's career was undoubtedly India's historic Test series victory in Australia during the 2018-19 tour. He was the undisputed player of the series, facing a staggering 1,258 balls—more than any Indian batsman had ever faced in a series in Australia—and scoring 521 runs across three magnificent centuries. His monumental efforts were instrumental in India securing its first-ever Test series win on Australian soil.
Some of his most memorable knocks include:
- A defiant 92 in the 2013 Johannesburg Test on a treacherous, seaming pitch against South Africa's fearsome pace attack.
- A marathon 123 in the 2018 Adelaide Test, setting the platform for a narrow first-Test victory in the winning series.
- A patient 193 against England in 2012 at the Wankhede Stadium, showcasing his mastery on turning tracks.
The Final Chapter and a Lasting Legacy
Pujara's international career concluded with his 103rd Test cap, earned during the World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval in June 2023. He retires with a formidable record:
- Tests: 103 matches, 7,195 runs, average 43.60, 19 centuries, 35 fifties
- First-Class: 26,396 runs, average 51.46, 71 centuries
- Holds the record for being the fastest Indian to 2,000, 3,000, and 4,000 Test runs in terms of innings played.
In his retirement note, Pujara paid tribute to the people who shaped his career, saying, "Thank you to the fans for their unwavering support and motivation throughout my career. It has been an honour to represent the Indian cricket team and the great culture of Indian cricket worldwide. I will always cherish the memories and relationships built over the years." He reserved special praise for his father, Arvind Pujara, who was his first coach, and his late mother, Reena.
Tributes Pour In for a Modern-Day Great
The cricketing world was quick to honor the contributions of "Steve," as he was affectionately nicknamed by his teammates. Former India captain and batting maestro Virat Kohli led the tributes, posting on social media: "You leave behind a legacy of grit and determination. Wish you all the best for your next inning, Chetu!."
Rahul Dravid, the man whose spot he inherited, commended Pujara's dedication: "He loved batting, he loved spending time at the crease, and he loved playing for India. He represented everything that is beautiful about Test cricket." The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also released a statement, hailing him as "a true embodiment of resilience and dedication."
The Next Innings: Domestic and County Cricket
While his time in the blue jersey has concluded, Pujara's story with the bat is far from over. He will continue to lead Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy, a team he has served with immense distinction for nearly two decades, and remains a sought-after name in the English County Championship, where he has been a prolific run-scorer for teams like Sussex, Yorkshire, and Nottinghamshire.
Cheteshwar Pujara's retirement marks the end of a specific, cherished chapter in Indian cricket. He was the last of a classic breed of Test specialists, a batsman who reminded fans of the pure, unadulterated joy of a well-left ball and a perfectly executed forward defensive. His legacy is not just in the runs he scored, but in the matches he saved and the series he won through the simple, profound act of stubbornly refusing to get out.