Cheteshwar Pujara announces retirement from all forms of Indian cricket

Cheteshwar Pujara, one of India’s most dependable and respected Test batter, announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket on Sunday. Sharing the news on X, formerly Twitter, Pujara reflected on the pride and emotion of representing his country. “Wearing the Indian jersey, singing the anthem, and trying my best each time I stepped on the field – it’s impossible to put into words what it truly meant. But as they say, all good things must come to an end, and with immense gratitude I have decided to retire from all forms of Indian cricket,” he wrote. Pujara made his Test debut against Australia in 2010 and went on to play 103 Tests, scoring 7,195 runs at an average of 43.61, including 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries. His highest score in Tests was an impressive 206. He also appeared in five One Day Internationals, scoring 51 runs. Known for his rock-solid technique and remarkable patience at the crease, Pujara often held India’s batting together in challenging overseas conditions. His resilience was pivotal in India’s historic Test series victories in Australia and England. The 37-year-old last featured in a Test match in 2023 during the World Test Championship final against Australia. Since then, he had been out of the Indian Test team but continued to perform consistently in domestic cricket, proving his enduring love and commitment to the game. In his message, Pujara thanked his teammates, coaches, and fans for their support throughout his career. His retirement marks the end of an era for Indian cricket, particularly in the Test format. Pujara’s legacy as a patient, dependable, and technically brilliant batsman will continue to inspire young cricketers for years to come.