Cheteshwar Pujara Retirement: India’s Test Specialist Bids Farewell

Cheteshwar Pujara Retirement marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. Pujara, one of India’s finest Test batsmen and the backbone of the middle order for over a decade, has announced his retirement from all formats of cricket in 2025. Known for his patience, resilience, and unmatched ability to grind bowling attacks, Pujara became the symbol of grit in an era dominated by fast-paced cricket. Often referred to as “The Wall 2.0” after Rahul Dravid, his calm presence at No. 3 gave India stability and hope in challenging overseas conditions. His contribution to India’s memorable victories in Australia, England, and beyond will forever remain etched in cricketing history.

Cheteshwar Pujara Retirement: A Look at His Early Career & Rise

Cheteshwar Pujara first made headlines with his incredible performances in domestic cricket, amassing runs consistently for Saurashtra. His technique, temperament, and hunger for long innings quickly set him apart.

• Test Debut: Pujara made his Test debut in October 2010 against Australia, stepping into the massive shoes left by Rahul Dravid.

• Rise as No. 3: By the time Dravid retired, Pujara had already established himself as India’s reliable No. 3, carrying forward the legacy of resilience in Test cricket.

• His domestic dominance continued throughout his career, with him crossing 18,000 first-class runs at an astonishing average of over 60.

Playing Style and Role in Team India – The Essence of Cheteshwar Pujara Retirement

Defensive technique and unmatched patience

Unlike the aggressive generation of cricketers, Pujara thrived on defense and patience. His willingness to bat for hours made him a nightmare for bowlers.

Nicknames – “The Wall 2.0” & “India’s New Dravid”

His style earned him the title “The Wall 2.0” and “India’s New Dravid.” He became the symbol of traditional Test batting in modern times.

Overseas contributions that shaped Cheteshwar Pujara Retirement

Pujara was central to India’s overseas Test wins, especially in the 2018–19 Australia series, where he scored 521 runs and won Player of the Series.

Iconic Innings & Match-Winning Knocks

• 206 vs England, Ahmedabad 2012* – A marathon innings that showcased his ability to dominate world-class bowling.

• 56 runs at Brisbane (Gabba) 2021 – A gritty knock where he absorbed 200+ balls against fiery Australian bowling, paving the way for India’s historic Test series win.

• Multiple match-saving innings across South Africa, England, and Australia that cemented his place as India’s modern-day Test warrior.

Impact on Indian Cricket

• Rebuilding the Middle Order: After the retirements of Dravid and Laxman, Pujara ensured India still had a dependable anchor at No. 3.

• Mentorship: Guided youngsters like Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant, sharing the values of patience and discipline.

• World Test Championship: Played a crucial role in India’s WTC journey, keeping India competitive on the global stage.

Legacy & Farewell

Cheteshwar Pujara will always be remembered as one of the finest Test batsmen of the modern era — a man who brought old-school values to modern cricket. He symbolized determination, grit, and the true spirit of Test cricket when many were chasing T20 glory.

Tributes have already started pouring in from teammates, opponents, and fans worldwide, calling him “a warrior,” “a wall,” and “a legend who never gave up.”

BCCI: BCCI congratulates Cheteshwar Pujara on a remarkable career – The official Board’s tribute that applauds his classical batting style, concentration, and anchoring role

Conclusion 

With Pujara’s retirement, Indian cricket bids goodbye to one of its most dependable batsmen. His career was not just about runs and centuries, but about courage, character, and commitment. As India looks to the future, Cheteshwar Pujara’s legacy will continue to inspire young cricketers to value patience, resilience, and the beauty of Test cricket.

Thank you, Cheteshwar Pujara — the Wall of Modern Indian Cricket.