In a heartfelt announcement, Indian cricketing legend Cheteshwar Pujara has bid farewell to all formats of the game, bringing an end to a remarkable career that spanned over a decade.
After being sidelined from the Indian team for nearly two years, Pujara took to social media to share the bittersweet news of his retirement, closing a chapter filled with grit, perseverance, and unwavering dedication.
Pujara’s name will forever be etched among India’s greatest Test batsmen. His final appearance for the national team was in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia.
A fitting farewell to the arena where he made his mark. Since then, however, the door to Indian cricket has remained closed, and despite his relentless efforts, he hasn’t been able to make a comeback.
A Long Wait for Redemption
It’s not that Pujara lacked performance or passion. On the contrary, he showcased his prowess in domestic cricket and county leagues, consistently proving his worth. Yet, the selectors’ decisions remained elusive, and after 810 days since his last appearance, hope finally faded.
It’s a story many fans resonate with an artist deserving a encore, denied multiple times. Pujara’s performances in county cricket with Sussex, where he scored heavily and consistently, and his exploits with Saurashtra in domestic cricket, kept his name alive in cricket circles.
In the 2022-23 county season, he played 18 matches for Sussex, averaging 64.24 with 8 centuries and 1,863 runs. The following year, in 2024, he continued to impress, scoring 501 runs in just 13 matches, including two centuries and a fifty, with an impressive average of 53.27.
A Career Defined by Resilience
In first class cricket, Pujara’s numbers speak volumes. In 2023, he amassed 1,172 runs in 18 matches, with four centuries and as many half centuries. The following year, he elevated his game further, tallying 1,918 runs in 22 matches at an average of over 53, with seven centuries and five half centuries.
A Pillar of Indian Test Cricket
Since his debut in 2010, Cheteshwar Pujara has been a cornerstone of India’s Test batting lineup. Over his career, spanning 103 Tests and 176 innings, he accumulated 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries featuring three double centuries and 35 half centuries. His highest score of 206 remains a testament to his resilience and technical mastery.
His contributions extended beyond individual brilliance; he was instrumental in some of India’s most significant overseas victories, embodying the grit and determination that define Indian Test cricket. Though he played only five ODIs, his impact in the longest format remains indelible.
A New Chapter Begins
Since 2023, Pujara has also ventured into commentary, sharing his insights and experience with cricket fans around the world.
Now, as he steps away from the professional arena, his legacy is firmly cemented not just as a prolific run scorer but as a symbol of perseverance and humility.
While the cricketing world bids farewell to a player who deserved one more chance, Pujara’s journey reminds us that true greatness isn’t measured solely by opportunities missed, but by the relentless pursuit of excellence despite the odds.
His story is one of unwavering loyalty to the game, and his contributions will inspire generations to come.
