Indian Cricket Legend Pujara Retires From All Formats, Leaving Behind Iconic Test Innings and Unmatched Resilience

Cheteshwar Pujara, India's most reliable Test batsman of the current generation, has retired from all forms of cricket. The 37-year-old player, known for his perseverance and resolve in the middle order, confirmed the news on Monday, stating it was the right time to ‘move on’ after over 15 years of international cricket.

A Career Built on Patience and Grit


Pujara, who played his first Test against Australia in Bengaluru in 2010, soon acquired the image of being the pillar of India's batting line-up. His capacity to absorb harsh conditions and rebound against top-class bowling attacks with unflinching patience became his signature.

In more than 103 Test matches, he made 7,195 runs at a batting average of 43.6, with 18 centuries and 34 half-centuries. His best moments occurred outside the country, when his obstinate resistance frequently formed the platform for India's record-breaking victories.

“As a little boy from the small town of Rajkot, along with my parents, I set out to aim for the stars; and dreamt to be a part of the Indian cricket team. Little did I know then that this game would give me so much – invaluable opportunities, experiences, purpose, love, and above all a chance to represent my State and this great Nation,” Pujara wrote in a statement.


Iconic Contributions


Pujara's legacy will be coupled with India's success in Test cricket. His claim to fame came in the 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Throughout the four-match series, he scored 521 runs, with three centuries, leading India to their maiden Test series victory on Australian soil.

Once more in 2021, in India's great Gabba win, Pujara withstood body blows and relentless short-pitched bowling to make a precious 56 in the last innings. His grit helped Rishabh Pant to thrive and achieve a record victory.

Quote: "Pujara's toughness was second to none. He was the soul of Test cricket," former India captain Anil Kumble said in tribute.

Domestic and County Cricket Stalwart

While Pujara will always be remembered primarily for test match performances, he had a great domestic career. Prominent among his achievements is the amassing of more than 12,000 first-class runs for Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy, including leading the side to several titles. 

He was also productive in county cricket, with stints at Sussex and Yorkshire, where his consistency won him a reputation in England. Further, during his prolonged overseas stays, he managed to keep a good touch when chances with the Indian team became limited.


Absence in Limited-Overs


In contrast to most contemporary cricketers, Pujara's international career remained largely in whites. He appeared in only five ODIs and did not play a T20I. This may have restricted his footprint in shorter formats but also established him as India's purest red-ball specialist.


The Road Ahead


In his retirement statement, Pujara indicated that he would continue to be involved with cricket in a coaching or mentoring capacity. His ability to deal with pressure situations is priceless for young cricketers entering the international arena.

"Wearing the Indian jersey, singing the anthem, and trying my best each time I stepped on the field – it’s impossible to put into words what it truly meant. But as they say, all good things must come to an end, and with immense gratitude, I have decided to retire from all forms of Indian cricket,” he said.

Conclusion


Pujara's retirement marks the end of an illustrious era in Indian cricket. He is not a showy stroke player, yet he has contributed to India's supremacy in Test cricket over the last decade. His departure leaves a gap, but his legacy of endurance, bravery, and grit will inspire future generations.