Veteran Test batter Cheteshwar Pujara on Sunday, August 24, announced his retirement from all formats of Indian cricket. Current and former Indian players took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to congratulate Pujara for a fine career and pay tribute to his contributions to the Indian national cricket team.
Pujara began his international career in 2010 with a Test debut against Australia in Bengaluru, where he was dismissed for four runs in the first innings but scored 72 in the second. The batter made his ODI debut in 2013 against Zimbabwe. He played just five matches in his career, scoring a total of 51 runs.
Cheteshwar Pujara Played His Final Match for India in the 2023 World Test Championship Final
Cheteshwar Pujara played 103 Test matches for India, scoring 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries and 35 fifties. Batting at No. 3, he scored 6,529 runs in 94 Tests, with a highest score of 206.
The right-handed batter played his final Test in 2023 during the World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval. However, he continued in domestic cricket during the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, scoring 402 runs at an average of 40.20 for Saurashtra.
With younger players like Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair taking over the No. 3 spot, Pujara was not selected for recent matches. Notably, he was also not considered for the West Zone squad for the 2025 Duleep Trophy.
Head Coach Gautam Gambhir and Captain Shubman Gill React to Cheteshwar Pujara’s Retirement
Former and current Indian cricketers paid tribute to Cheteshwar Pujara on social media following his retirement. India head coach Gautam Gambhir praised Pujara for his resilience and determination during challenging times, while captain Shubman Gill also expressed his respect for the veteran.
“He stood tall when the storm raged, he fought when hope was fading. Congratulations Pujji,” Gambhir wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, August 24.
“Thank you pujji bhai ❤️ @cheteshwar1,” Shubman Gill stated.
Pujara finished as India’s eighth-highest run-scorer in Tests. His best performance came in the 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, where he amassed 521 runs and faced over 1,200 balls.
India secured their first-ever series win in Australia. Pujara also impressed with the bat during 2021 at Brisbane, where his 56 runs against relentless bowling helped India achieve a historic victory at the Gabba.
Cheteshwar Pujara’s Career Exemplifies Perseverance and Selflessness – Devajit Saikia
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said that Pujara is a shining example of perseverance and selflessness. Saikia commended his contributions at both international and domestic levels.
“Cheteshwar Pujara’s career is a shining example of perseverance and selflessness. He personified the spirit of Test cricket. His ability to grind opposition attacks and his immense powers of concentration made him the bulwark of India’s batting,” Saikia said.
“He showed that it was possible to succeed at the highest level while staying true to traditional values of the game. His commitment to Indian cricket, both at the international and domestic level, has been outstanding. We thank him for everything he has given to the game and to the country.”