India bid farewell to one of its most resilient batting legends as Cheteshwar Pujara, fondly dubbed “Indian Wall 2.0”, declared his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket via a heartfelt statement on X (formerly Twitter), Sunday, August 24, 2025. The announcement marks the end of an era, with Pujara’s unwavering presence at the crease shaping Indian Test fortunes for over a decade.
“Donning the Indian jersey, singing the national anthem, and giving my utmost every time I took to the field—words cannot adequately express what this experience has meant to me. However, as the saying goes, all great things eventually conclude, and with deep appreciation, I have chosen to retire from all forms of Indian cricket,” Pujara wrote in his retirement post.
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… pic.twitter.com/p8yOd5tFyT
— Cheteshwar Pujara (@cheteshwar1) August 24, 2025
The 37-year-old right-handed batsman from Rajkot made his international debut in 2010 against Australia, climbing the ranks to become India’s trusted No. 3 in Test matches. Over 103 Tests, he amassed 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, notching up 19 centuries and 35 fifties. His storied career includes nearly 17,000 balls faced, more than 124 minutes spent at the crease per innings, and participation in pivotal victories both home and abroad—a testament to his indomitable spirit and technical mastery. Pujara’s final Test innings was at the World Test Championship Final against Australia at The Oval in June 2023.
Often compared to Rahul Dravid for his solid technique and mental stamina, Pujara was critical in India’s historic series win in Australia during the 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he scored 521 runs, including a marathon double century in Sydney. His ability to absorb pressure and anchor the innings set him apart in a generation fueled by aggressive stroke play.
Aside from his Test achievements, Pujara also contributed in five ODI appearances, though his prowess was unparalleled in the red-ball format. In domestic cricket, he tallied over 21,000 runs in 278 first-class matches, boasting 66 centuries—a record matched by few globally.
Reflecting on his journey, Pujara wrote, “As a little boy from the small town of Rajkot, along with my parents, I set out to aim for the stars; and dreamt to be a part of the Indian cricket team. Little did I know then that this game would give me so much – invaluable opportunities, experiences, purpose, love, and above all a chance to represent my state and this great nation.”
The implications of Pujara’s retirement are significant—not only does Indian cricket lose one of its most reliable batsmen, but it also signals a transition toward younger talent. With contemporaries like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma departing Test cricket earlier this year, a generational shift is underway.
Fans, teammates, and pundits paid tribute across social media, honoring Pujara’s rare grit, humility, and invaluable service to the game. As the curtain descends on an extraordinary career, Cheteshwar Pujara leaves behind an enduring legacy—the gold standard of discipline, perseverance, and the art of building an innings under pressure.
