New Delhi: Veteran batter Cheteshwar Pujara, one of India’s most dependable Test cricketers, announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket on Sunday, August 24. The 37-year-old right-hander from Rajkot leaves behind a remarkable legacy built on grit, resilience, and classical technique.
Pujara, who last represented India in the 2023 World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia at The Oval, played 103 Test matches in a 15-year-long international career. He amassed 7,195 runs at an average of nearly 44, including 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries. His calm presence at the crease earned him the reputation of being India’s “wall” in the modern era, often compared to Rahul Dravid.
Known for his ability to blunt the fiercest bowling attacks, Pujara was instrumental in several of India’s overseas triumphs, most notably the historic 2018–19 Test series victory in Australia, where his monumental batting efforts defined the series.
Following his announcement, tributes poured in from across the cricketing world. Among them, a witty tweet from the Iceland Cricket board quickly went viral, highlighting Pujara’s immense contribution and his unique old-school batting style. The post struck a chord with fans, celebrating a player who symbolised patience in an era of aggressive stroke play.
Pujara’s retirement marks the end of an era for Indian Test cricket. While the team looks to the future, his dedication and contributions remain etched in the history of the game.