🚨 Breaking Cheteshwar Pujara Announces Retirement from Indian Cricket 🏏🇮🇳
A Rock at No. 3 for India
Since making his Test debut in 2010 against Australia at Bengaluru, Pujara quickly established himself as India’s most reliable No. 3 batter. Known for his steely temperament, solid technique, and unmatched patience at the crease, Pujara became the backbone of India’s Test batting line-up for more than a decade.
His ability to grind bowlers into submission, absorb pressure, and play marathon innings made him one of the finest Test specialists of the modern era. Pujara’s unwavering resilience often drew comparisons to Rahul Dravid, earning him the title of “The Wall 2.0.”
Career Highlights
108 Test Matches: 7,246 runs at an average of 43.87.
Scored 18 centuries and 35 fifties in Test cricket.
Key Architect of Historic Wins: His unforgettable knocks in the 2018–19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia were instrumental in helping India script their first-ever series win Down Under.
His fighting spirit was again on display during the 2020–21 Australia tour, where he absorbed countless blows but stood tall to guide India to a historic series victory at the Gabba.
Although Pujara’s career was predominantly built around Test cricket, he also featured in 5 ODIs for India. Despite not being a regular in the white-ball formats, his contribution to red-ball cricket has earned him respect and admiration worldwide.
A Tribute to Determination and Discipline
In an era dominated by flashy stroke-makers and high strike rates, Pujara stood out for his old-school batting style. His patience and determination at the crease embodied the essence of Test cricket. While critics often questioned his strike rate, Pujara silenced them with performances that delivered victories for India on the toughest overseas tours.
Indian cricket fans will forever cherish his iconic partnerships, his ability to anchor innings, and his fearless approach to standing up against the fiercest bowling attacks.
Reactions from the Cricketing World
The news of Pujara’s retirement has drawn emotional reactions from former teammates, legends, and fans alike. Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and many ex-players have lauded his immense contribution to Indian cricket. Tributes poured in on social media, with fans hailing him as a true warrior who redefined grit and determination in Test cricket.
Life Beyond the Pitch
While Pujara has announced his retirement from Indian cricket, he is expected to continue contributing to the game through county cricket, domestic leagues, or mentoring young talent. His vast experience makes him a strong candidate for future coaching or commentary roles.
The End of a Glorious Chapter
With Pujara’s retirement, Indian cricket bids farewell to one of its most resilient and dependable batters. His legacy will not just be measured in runs but in the countless battles he fought for the team, often against overwhelming odds.
As India looks to the future, Cheteshwar Pujara’s name will remain etched in history as one of the finest Test match warriors the country has ever produced.