Cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara Announces Retirement from All Forms of Indian Cricket
Veteran batsman Cheteshwar Pujara, a stalwart of India's Test cricket team, has announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket at the age of 37. Renowned for his resilience and classical defensive technique, Pujara played 103 Tests, amassing 7,195 runs. He was instrumental in India's historic back-to-back Test series victories in Australia. His departure is being hailed by fans and fellow cricketers as the end of an era, leaving a significant void in India's Test batting lineup.
Unpacked:
Pujara was crucial during India’s 2018–19 series win in Australia, scoring 521 runs and facing 1,258 balls, which blunted Australia’s top bowlers and allowed India to secure historic victories abroad—something no Indian team had achieved before.
Pujara is India’s eighth-highest Test run-scorer with 7,195 runs and 19 centuries. He has the most double centuries in Indian first-class cricket (12) and is among only nine worldwide to score three triple centuries in first-class matches.
Pujara was dropped from the national team after a string of poor performances, notably after the 2023 World Test Championship Final. At 37, with decreasing opportunities and age, he decided to retire from Indian cricket.
Pujara’s retirement leaves a significant gap in India’s Test batting, especially in the No. 3 position known for stability and resilience. His departure means younger batsmen will need to step up to maintain India’s strength in challenging overseas conditions.