Cheteshwar Pujara Announces Retirement from All Formats: End of an Era. Indian cricket bid farewell to one of its modern-day greats as Cheteshwar Pujara, fondly known as the “Wall 2.0,” announced his retirement from all formats of cricket. The announcement has evoked mixed emotions across the cricketing fraternity: pride in his monumental contributions to Indian cricket and sadness at the thought of no longer seeing him occupy the crease with his trademark grit.
Pujara’s retirement symbolizes the end of a traditional batting template where patience, defense, and concentration created match-winning opportunities in the longest format of the game.
Early Career and Rise of a Test Specialist
Cheteshwar Pujara’s journey began in Rajkot, where his father Arvind Pujara, also a former cricketer, nurtured his love for the game. His big moment arrived at the 2006 Under-19 World Cup, where his consistency drew attention.
- Domestic Stardom: In Ranji Trophy cricket for Saurashtra, he piled up scores relentlessly, earning respect as a dependable run machine.
- International Debut: He made his Test debut in 2010 against Australia, stepping in after the mighty Rahul Dravid. Comparisons with Dravid were inevitable given his calmness and defensive technique.
Pujara quickly carved out his identity—not flashy but iron-willed—an antidote to the fast-paced T20 generation.
Defining Career Highlights
1. The 2018-19 Australia Tour
Perhaps the pinnacle of his career was the unforgettable 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. Pujara faced over 1,200 balls and scored three centuries, neutralizing Australia’s pace attack. India won its first-ever Test series on Australian soil, and Pujara was the architect.
“Pujara’s concentration and mental toughness gave the Indian team the platform to script history in Australia.” — Cricket analysts after the series.
2. Partnership Builder
When India needed someone to soak pressure and anchor innings, Pujara stood tall. His partnerships with Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, and Rishabh Pant in several overseas tours were the backbone of India’s Test resilience.
3. A Wall at Home
In Indian conditions, his ability to blunt spin attacks, particularly against Australia, England, and New Zealand, made him indispensable.
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Pujara’s Batting Style: Old School in a New Age
At a time when strike rates dominated conversations, Pujara embodied classical Test batting:
- Patience over aggression
- Hours at the crease, tiring bowlers mentally
- A strong defensive technique making him wicket-resistant
This style led critics to compare him with Rahul Dravid, though Pujara was adamant about carving his own identity.
Impact on Indian Cricket
Cheteshwar Pujara’s significance extended beyond runs:
- Role Model for Youngsters: He showed Indian batters that Test cricket still rewards traditional technique.
- Cultural Bridge: In the era of T20 leagues, he was proof that a specialist Test cricketer could still thrive.
- Resilience Symbol: Surviving countless body blows in Australia and England, he became a metaphor for courage.
“Every team needs a Pujara. Someone who fights, defends, and believes in grinding the opposition down.”
Records and Career Statistics
- Test Matches: 103+ appearances
- Runs: Over 7,000 Test runs
- Centuries: 19 Test centuries
- Most balls faced: Among the highest in modern Test cricket
- Domestic legend: A double and triple century accumulator in first-class cricket
Emotional Reactions to Pujara’s Retirement
From Teammates
Virat Kohli noted how Pujara’s calm presence had been invaluable in building successful run chases abroad. Ajinkya Rahane called him “the silent warrior of Indian cricket.”
From Fans
Indian fans across social media celebrated his selfless contribution. While aggressive batters grabbed headlines, Pujara ensured India’s stability.
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Why Did Pujara Retire Now?
At 37, Pujara likely realized the next generation—such as Shubman Gill and Sarfaraz Khan—are shaping India’s middle order. His gradual exclusion from the Test squad since 2023 hinted that retirement was near.
Retiring now allows him to leave on his own terms, with dignity and respect intact.
What’s Next for Cheteshwar Pujara?
- Commentary & Analysis: His calm, articulate voice makes him a natural fit for commentary.
- Coaching: With his focus on discipline, Pujara could mentor young batters.
- Domestic Cricket Ambassador: He might continue playing a few matches for Saurashtra or stay actively involved in developing cricket at the grassroots level.
Blockquote: Legacy in One Line
“Cheteshwar Pujara didn’t just play for India, he stood guard for India.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. When did Cheteshwar Pujara announce his retirement?
He announced his retirement from all formats of cricket in August 2025.
Q2. What is Cheteshwar Pujara’s biggest career achievement?
The 2018-19 Australia tour, where his centuries and unflinching resistance helped India win their first Test series in Australia.
Q3. Who is Pujara often compared to?
He is frequently compared to Rahul Dravid for his defensive batting style, patience, and mental toughness.
Q4. Will Pujara still play in county cricket or domestic cricket?
While retired from international and official domestic cricket, he may still feature in occasional county matches as a mentor-player, but officially he steps away from competitive formats.
Q5. Is he India’s last classical Test batsman?
Many experts argue yes, though players like Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal may blend tradition with modern flair.
