Cheteshwar Pujara Retires: A True Test Warrior Bows Out

Cheteshwar Pujara, the man who stood like a wall for India in Test cricket, has announced his retirement from international cricket — and cricket fans across the country are feeling the emotion.

For over a decade, Pujara was India’s go-to man in tough situations. He wasn’t flashy. He didn’t chase headlines. But when the team needed someone to dig in, soak up pressure, and wear down world-class bowling attacks, Pujara always stepped up. In 103 Tests, he scored 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries — numbers that only tell part of the story.

His greatest contribution? The 2018-19 Test series win in Australia. Pujara scored 521 runs in that series, batting for hours, grinding down bowlers, and laying the foundation for India’s historic win. Then came the Gabba Test in 2021, where he took hit after hit on his body from Australia’s pace battery but didn’t flinch — showing the kind of grit few cricketers have.

Tributes came pouring in. Sunil Gavaskar called him an “old-school cricketer” who always put India first. “Took endless blows but never took a backward step,” he said, urging the cricketing system to make use of Pujara’s wisdom to inspire the next generation.

Sachin Tendulkar echoed the sentiment, saying, “It was always reassuring to see you at No. 3. You brought calm, courage, and a deep love for Test cricket.” He added that India’s 2018 series win in Australia wouldn’t have been possible without Pujara’s resilience.

Beyond the international stage, Pujara’s domestic numbers are staggering — over 21,000 first-class runs, 66 centuries, and a top score of 352. He was the definition of consistency and hard work.

Pujara may not have been the loudest voice in the room, but he let his bat do the talking — quietly, stubbornly, and with immense pride. As he walks away from international cricket, he leaves behind a legacy built on patience, perseverance, and pure love for the game.