Cheteshwar Pujara has received congratulations from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for a stellar career marked by perseverance, forbearance, and an unwavering dedication to the game’s longest format.
A renowned chapter in Indian cricket was brought to an end by Cheteshwar Pujara retirement. He will be remembered for his traditional batting style, unparalleled focus, and capacity to steady India under pressure. Stability, steadiness, and the confidence of a fighter who would not back down were all brought to the crease by his arrival.
After making his Test debut in 2010 against Australia, Pujara went on to play in 103 Test matches for India, scoring 7195 runs at an average of 43.60, with 35 half-centuries and 19 hundreds. Although his impressive accomplishments are reflected in the figures, Pujara’s real impact was his capacity to withstand pressure, thwart elite attacks, and provide the foundation for India’s most memorable triumphs. By upholding the virtues of patience and discipline while adjusting to the contemporary demands of the game, he became the link between eras.
His centuries at home helped to construct India’s stronghold, and his disobedience abroad inspired the team to believe that unlikely Test wins were achievable.
His 92 in Bengaluru against Australia in 2017, his spectacular 206* at Ahmedabad against England in 2012, and his twin double hundreds — 204 and 202 against Australia at Hyderabad and Ranchi, respectively — stand out among his many memorable home performances.
He stood like a rock in away Tests, which were frequently played under the most trying circumstances. He scored 521 runs and faced over 1200 balls in the renowned 2018–19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, helping India win its first-ever series there. When he batted for almost 11 hours in the first Test match in Adelaide, he had made his intentions very evident. The groundwork for India’s historic victory at the Gabba was built by his 56 at Brisbane in 2021 on the subsequent tour, where he faced a torrent of hostile bowling and demonstrated his bravery and perseverance.
According to BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia:
“Cheteshwar Pujara’s career is a brilliant illustration of tenacity and sacrifice. He embodied Test cricket’s essence. He was the cornerstone of India’s batting because of his remarkable concentration skills and ability to grind opposition assaults. He demonstrated that achieving the pinnacle of success while adhering to the game’s traditional principles was feasible. His dedication to Indian cricket has been exceptional, both at the national and international levels. We appreciate all that he has done for the game and the nation.
India
