Cheteshwar Pujara announces retirement
Cheteshwar Pujara retirement marks the end of a remarkable Test career for India. The 36-year-old right-hander announced his decision through social media, confirming that his international journey has come to an end. For more than a decade, Pujara carried the tag of India’s Test wall, filling the crucial No.3 role with determination and discipline. His retirement leaves a big gap in India’s batting order, but his legacy will continue to inspire young cricketers.
Pujara’s career journey
Cheteshwar Pujara retirement closes a chapter that started in 2010 against Australia. He scored a crucial 72 in his debut Test at Bengaluru, showing the grit that would later define his career. Though his initial outings were not spectacular, Pujara’s breakthrough came in the 2012-13 season. He scored heavily on Indian pitches, including a double century against England in Ahmedabad. This run cemented his place as the backbone of the batting order.
After Rahul Dravid retired, India needed someone reliable at one-down. Cheteshwar Pujara retirement reminds fans how seamlessly he stepped into that role. His patience and technique allowed him to absorb pressure and blunt new-ball spells. Much like Dravid, he was never flashy, but his consistency gave India stability. He went on to score runs across conditions, including hundreds in Australia, South Africa, England, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. His ability to grind bowlers out became his trademark.
Test records and achievements
Cheteshwar Pujara retirement highlights an impressive set of numbers. He played 103 Tests, scoring 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60. He registered 19 centuries and 35 fifties, finishing as India’s eighth-highest run-scorer in Tests. His strike rate often drew criticism, but his job was never about pace. It was about resilience. He faced over 14,000 deliveries in Test cricket, showing his immense concentration. His highest score was 206* against England.
Heroics in Australia
One of the key moments remembered after Cheteshwar Pujara retirement will be his performances in Australia. He scored 521 runs in the 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, guiding India to their first-ever series win in Australia. In the 2020-21 series, his knocks of 77 in Sydney and 56 in Brisbane helped India script a historic triumph. He absorbed body blows but refused to give up. His courage in Brisbane, where India sealed a 2-1 victory, has become part of Indian cricket folklore.
Notable overseas contributions
Cheteshwar Pujara retirement also brings back memories of his contributions outside Australia. He played a key role in India’s series win in Sri Lanka in 2015, scoring a fighting 145* in Colombo. In South Africa and England, he scored centuries under challenging conditions, proving his adaptability. These innings might not have been as glamorous as white-ball heroics, but they were invaluable in shaping India’s success overseas.
Though remembered mainly for Test cricket, Pujara also had a strong record in domestic and first-class formats. Before Cheteshwar Pujara retirement, he had over 19,000 first-class runs with 60 centuries. In List A cricket, he averaged almost 57, showing his ability in the 50-over format. However, due to India’s strong batting depth in the 2010s, his white-ball opportunities remained limited. He played only five ODIs, scoring one fifty, but never featured in T20 internationals.
Style and legacy
Cheteshwar Pujara retirement reminds fans of an era where patience and discipline were valued. His ability to occupy the crease for long hours gave India an edge in Tests. He was never a crowd entertainer in the traditional sense, but his importance to India’s success cannot be overstated. Younger batters will look at his example to understand how temperament can be as vital as stroke play. His approach ensured that India had a dependable anchor in tough situations.
Cheteshwar Pujara retirement was expected after he last played in the World Test Championship final in June 2023 against Australia. India lost that match at The Oval, and he was left out of subsequent Test squads. On social media, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent India and reflected on the emotions of wearing the national jersey. His heartfelt statement struck a chord with fans who admired his humility and dedication.
Conclusion
Cheteshwar Pujara retirement marks the end of an era in Indian Test cricket. His numbers may be impressive, but his real legacy lies in the way he played. Patient, determined, and selfless, he embodied the values that Test cricket stands for. His career reminds us that cricket is not only about speed or flair but also about grit and mental strength. While India will look to fill the No.3 spot with emerging talent, Pujara’s shadow will loom large for years. His retirement is not just the closing of a chapter but the celebration of a timeless contribution to Indian cricket.
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