- Cheteshwar Pujara, India’s dependable No. 3 Test batsman, has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on August 24, 2025.
- Known as India’s Modern Wall, Pujara built his career not on flamboyance but on discipline, patience, and rock-solid technique, becoming a pillar of India’s Test batting lineup for over a decade.
Early Life & Rise:
- Born in Rajkot, Gujarat, Pujara was coached by his father, a former cricketer.
- His Test debut came in 2010 against Australia, and from there he established himself as the successor to Rahul Dravid at the crucial No. 3 spot.
Career Highlights:
- Test Matches: 103
- Runs: 7,195
- Centuries: 19
- Batting Average: 43.60
- India’s 8th highest run-scorer in Tests
Defining Moment: Australia 2018–19 Tour:
Pujara was the architect of India’s historic first-ever Test series win in Australia:
- Runs: 521 across 4 Tests
- Balls Faced: 1,258, showing unmatched patience
- Centuries: 3, including marathon knocks that blunted the Australian attack
His Role & Legacy:
- Took over the No. 3 role from Rahul Dravid.
- Excelled against Australia with an average of 49.38 and 5 centuries.
- Known for his ability to absorb pressure and play long innings overseas.
- Faced more balls than Sunil Gavaskar, a testament to his resilience.
Why His Retirement Matters:
- Pujara represented the classic Test match ethos—valuing crease occupation over flashy stroke play.
- In an era of T20 dominance, he was a rare craftsman of patience and grit. His retirement signals the end of a golden era of traditional Test batting for India.
- Now stepping into the commentary box, Pujara continues to enrich cricket with his insights, offering fans a thoughtful perspective shaped by years of experience.