Cheteshwar Pujara, India’s most dependable No. 3 in the post-Dravid era, has announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket. A mainstay of the Indian Test team for over a decade, Pujara built his reputation on rock-solid defense, unmatched patience, and remarkable consistency.
Known affectionately as “the new wall,” Pujara’s style was a tribute to classic Test cricket. He was instrumental in India’s overseas successes, especially the back-to-back series wins in Australia. His 2018–19 tour performance earned him Player of the Series honors and cemented his legacy.
With 103 Tests, 7,195 runs, and 19 centuries, Pujara finishes with numbers that reflect his greatness. Yet his true impact goes beyond statistics—he was a team man who thrived under pressure and absorbed endless deliveries to tire out bowlers.
After being dropped from the Indian squad post the 2023 WTC final, Pujara returned to domestic cricket and continued playing for Saurashtra and Sussex. In his retirement note, he said, “This journey has been beautiful. I gave it my all.”
Pujara’s exit leaves a void in Indian Test cricket. As the game moves towards aggression and flair, the quiet strength of Cheteshwar Pujara will be sorely missed.
