Cheteshwar Pujara retirement has sent waves through the cricket world. On August 24, 2025, the 37-year-old batsman from Rajkot announced he was stepping away from all forms of Indian cricket. After 15 years of grinding it out in the longest format, Pujara leaves behind a legacy of grit, patience, and unbreakable spirit. In a white-ball dominated era, he was the ultimate Test specialist – a rock at No. 3 who wore down bowlers like no other.
This announcement comes amid a wave of retirements from Indian greats. Just last year, R Ashwin bid farewell in December 2024, followed by Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma earlier in 2025. Pujara’s decision feels like the closing chapter of India’s golden Test generation. But why now? And what made him such a legend? Let’s dive deep into his journey, stats, defining moments, and more. If you’re a cricket fan, stick around – we’ll explore it all with fresh insights from recent tributes and online buzz.
From Rajkot Roots to Ranji Trophy Stardom: Pujara’s Early Rise
Cheteshwar Pujara’s story starts in the small town of Rajkot, Gujarat. Born on January 25, 1988, he lost his mother early in life, a personal tragedy he opened up about in his retirement press conference. “I lost my mother very early, and she would be proud,” he shared emotionally, crediting his father Arvind – a former Ranji player – for shaping his career.
Pujara burst onto the scene with a triple-century in Under-14 cricket. By the Under-19 level, he was smashing a double-ton against England. His Ranji Trophy exploits for Saurashtra were stuff of legend. Debuting in first-class cricket in December 2005, he piled on runs on flat Rajkot pitches, earning critics but proving his hunger.
In the 2006 Under-19 World Cup, Pujara topped the run charts with 346 runs at an average of 116. This led to IPL opportunities, though brief. He played for Kolkata Knight Riders in 2010, Royal Challengers Bengaluru from 2011-2013, and Punjab Kings in 2014. Even Chennai Super Kings had him in 2021, but he didn’t play. His IPL stats? Modest – 30 matches, 390 runs at 20.53 average. Yet, these stints showed his focus was always Test cricket.
County cricket sharpened his edge. Stints with Derbyshire, Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Sussex, and Leicestershire helped him adapt to swinging conditions. By 2010, selectors couldn’t ignore him anymore. His Test debut against Australia in Bengaluru marked the start of something special.
What do you think – did Pujara’s domestic grind make him the Test beast he became? Share in the comments!
Cheteshwar Pujara Retirement Reasons: Why 2025 Felt Right
Cheteshwar Pujara retirement didn’t come out of nowhere. His last India appearance was the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia, where form dipped to a 25 average. Technical issues crept in, robbing him of his trademark crease time.
In his full retirement statement, Pujara reflected: “As a little boy from Rajkot, I set out to aim for the stars. Wearing the Indian jersey was impossible to put into words. But all good things must come to an end.” He thanked the BCCI, Saurashtra Cricket Association, and fans worldwide.
Behind the scenes, selectors shifted to youth like Shubman Gill. Pujara’s slow strike rate (44.37) drew flak in a faster game. At 37, the physical toll – think body blows in Australia – played a role. He continued in Ranji Trophy 2024-25 and Sussex County, but international doors stayed shut.
Ravi Shastri called him a “real warrior” post-retirement. Shashi Tharoor tweeted he “deserved a dignified farewell.” BCCI’s first reaction? “Showed it was possible through perseverance and selflessness.”
Was the timing perfect, or should he have played on? Let us know your take!
Pujara’s Test Career Stats: A Table of Endurance and Excellence
Pujara’s numbers scream reliability. Here’s a breakdown in easy-to-read tables.
International Career Stats
| Format | Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Highest | Centuries | Fifties | Fours | Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 103 | 176 | 7195 | 43.61 | 44.37 | 206* | 19 | 35 | 863 | 16 |
| ODIs | 5 | 5 | 51 | 10.20 | 39.24 | 27 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| T20s | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | – | – | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
IPL Career Stats
| Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Highest | Fifties | Fours | Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | 22 | 390 | 20.53 | 99.75 | 51 | 1 | 50 | 4 |
First-Class Overall Stats
| Matches | Runs | Average | Centuries | Highest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 260+ | 21,301 | 50+ | 66 | 352 |
These stats highlight his Test dominance. He scored centuries against all major teams except Afghanistan. Home average: 52.22. Overseas: 36.47. Most balls faced in an innings: 525 vs Australia in 2017.
Top 10 Epic Innings in Cheteshwar Pujara’s Test Career
Pujara’s magic shone in tough spots. Here are 10 epic knocks that defined him.
- 123 vs Australia, Adelaide 2018: From 86/5, his 376-minute century sparked India’s first Australia series win. Player of the Series with 521 runs.
- 193 vs Australia, Sydney 2019: A root-growing marathon that sealed the 2-1 victory. Frustrated bowlers endlessly.
- 106 vs Australia, Melbourne 2018: Boxing Day brilliance, blending defense with pushes.
- 72 in Brisbane 2021 Chase: Took blows from Starc, Cummins, Hazlewood. Unflinching in India’s Gabba triumph.
- 132 vs England, Southampton 2018: Six-hour vigil on seaming turf, dwarfing Kohli’s 46.
- 206 vs England, Ahmedabad 2012*: Over 500 minutes, turning spinners to dust.
- 204 vs Australia, Hyderabad 2013: Daddy hundred dismantling attacks.
- 92 vs Australia, Bengaluru 2017: Second-innings heroics after Pune loss.
- 145 vs Sri Lanka, Colombo 2015*: Carried bat on seaming pitch post-injury.
- 153 vs South Africa, Johannesburg 2013: Grit against Steyn, Morkel on lively track.
These weren’t flashy – they were about erosion. Which one is your favorite? Vote below!
Pujara vs Rahul Dravid: Battle of India’s Test Anchors
Comparisons to Rahul Dravid were constant. Dravid: 164 Tests, 13,288 runs, 52.31 average, 36 centuries. Pujara: Shorter but impactful.
Dravid averaged 55.15 overseas; Pujara 36.47. But Pujara’s five Australia centuries match Dravid’s overseas feats. Technique? Dravid’s classical punches vs Pujara’s wristy, bottom-handed plays.
Both team-first. Sunil Gavaskar tributed Pujara: “Take a bow, you’ve made India proud.” Like Dravid, Pujara was the spine – enabling Kohli, Rahane, Pant.
Who wins? Dravid in longevity, Pujara in modern grit. Thoughts?
Pujara’s Massive Impact on India’s Overseas Test Wins
Pujara transformed India abroad. 2018-19 Australia: 521 runs, first series win Down Under. 2020-21: Brisbane defiance despite blows.
England 2018: Southampton 132 on green tops. South Africa 2013: Wanderers 153 vs pace trio.
His role? Blunt new ball, tire bowlers, create space. As Shaun Marsh said: “Hard wicket to get, amazing at No. 3.”
Without him, those wins? Tougher.
Emotional Tributes Pour In for Pujara’s Farewell
Tributes flooded online. Yuvraj Singh: “Brother, your dedication inspired us.” Gautam Gambhir: “True Test warrior.” Ajinkya Rahane: “Selfless teammate.” VVS Laxman: “Pride of Indian cricket.”
Sachin Tendulkar: Heartfelt reaction shared widely. ICC: “Test stalwart bows out.” Fans on Reddit: “End of an era.”
Pujara’s press conference video went viral, with emotional nods to family.
What tribute touched you most?
Records and Stats That Cement Pujara’s Legacy
Beyond basics, Pujara holds gems. Highest scorer in India’s Australia series win (521). Five centuries vs Australia/England.
First–class: 21,301 runs, 66 hundreds – unmatched domestic legacy.
In ODIs/IPL: Limited, but Test focus paid off.
How Pujara Revolutionized Defensive Batting in Modern Cricket
In T20 chaos, Pujara made defense exciting. Style: Late plays, soft hands, wrist flicks. Tips for fans: Build mental stamina, price your wicket high.
He eroded plans – extra overs, slower bowlers. Criticized for slowness? He countered: “Play the circumstances.”
Made tenacity “sexy again.”
What’s Next for Pujara Post-Retirement?
Punditry beckons – he’s done ESPNcricinfo gigs. Coaching? Likely, mentoring Saurashtra or IPL.
County continuation? Possible with Sussex. Family time in Rajkot, philanthropy.
As he said: “The game gave me purpose; now I’ll give back.”
India’s Test Future: Who Steps Into Pujara’s No. 3 Shoes?
Big void. Shubman Gill: Flair, overseas tons. Sarfaraz Khan: Domestic beast. Devdutt Padikkal: Option.
Need grit plus aggression. India’s Test dominance continues?
Wrapping Up: Pujara’s Enduring Legacy in Cricket
Cheteshwar Pujara retirement closes a resilient chapter. From Rajkot boy to Test legend, he scored 7195 runs, won series abroad, and inspired generations.
In a fast game, he reminded us: Endurance wins. As BCCI said, a “shining example.”
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FAQs: Cheteshwar Pujara Retirement
1. What is Cheteshwar Pujara Retirement Date in 2025?
Cheteshwar Pujara Retirement Pujara announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket on August 24, 2025. The 37-year-old shared the news via social media, marking the end of a 15-year career. Want to know why he retired? Check our full article for details!
2. Why Did Cheteshwar Pujara Retire from Cricket in 2025?
Cheteshwar Pujara Retirement Pujara retired after a form dip in 2023 (average 25) and limited India appearances post-WTC final. Cheteshwar Pujara retirement reasons 2025 At 37, with selectors favoring youth, he chose to step back. Curious about his farewell statement? Read more in our tribute.
3. What Are Cheteshwar Pujara’s Best Test Innings?
Cheteshwar Pujara Retirement Pujara’s top knocks include his 123 in Adelaide 2018, 193 in Sydney 2019, and 72 in Brisbane 2021. Cheteshwar Pujara best Test innings highlights These defined his gritty legacy. Which is your favorite? Dive into all 10 epic innings in our article!
4. How Did Cheteshwar Pujara Impact India’s Test Wins Abroad?
Cheteshwar Pujara Retirement Pujara’s 521 runs in 2018-19 and defiance in 2020-21 were key to India’s Australia series wins. His Southampton 132 (2018) shone in England. Learn how he shaped victories in our deep dive.
5. How Does Cheteshwar Pujara Compare to Rahul Dravid?
Cheteshwar Pujara Retirement Pujara (7,195 runs, 43.61 avg) mirrored Dravid’s (13,288 runs, 52.31 avg) anchor role but thrived in a T20 era. Dravid had longevity; Pujara, modern grit. Who’s better? See our comparison.
6. What Are Cheteshwar Pujara’s Test Career Stats?
Cheteshwar Pujara Retirement Pujara played 103 Tests, scoring 7,195 runs at 43.61, with 19 centuries and 35 fifties. His 525-ball marathon vs Australia is iconic. Full stats in our article!
7. Who Paid Tributes to Cheteshwar Pujara After Retirement?
Cheteshwar Pujara Retirement Kohli, Rohit, Ashwin, and Rahane hailed Pujara’s grit. Tendulkar and ICC joined fans in heartfelt farewells. Read emotional quotes in our tribute section.
8. What’s Next for Cheteshwar Pujara Post-Retirement in 2025?
Cheteshwar Pujara Retirement Pujara may pursue punditry (ESPNcricinfo), coaching, or county cricket with Sussex. Family time and philanthropy are also on the cards. Explore his future in our article.
9. How Did Pujara Make Defensive Batting Exciting?
Cheteshwar Pujara Retirement Pujara’s late-playing, wristy style eroded bowlers, making defense thrilling. Tips: Price your wicket, build stamina. Discover his art in our analysis.
10. Who Will Replace Pujara at No. 3 in India’s Test Team?
Cheteshwar Pujara Retirement Shubman Gill, Sarfaraz Khan, or Devdutt Padikkal could fill Pujara’s No. 3 role. Who’s your pick? Vote and read more in our feature.