Cheteshwar Pujara retires from all forms of cricket

Star India batter Cheteshwar Pujara has retired from all forms of cricket with immediate effect. He will no longer play for the national team or his domestic side Saurashtra, hanging his boots in an official announcement on Sunday, August 24.

The cricketer, now 37, made his Test debut in October 2010 against Australia at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. He made an instant mark with his batting, scoring a vital 72 on debut in the second innings of the Test match, helping India chase down the target with utmost ease, engaging in a crucial partnership alongside Sachin Tendulkar.

"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. Thank you for all the love and support," the veteran batter wrote on his official social media handle.

“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,” the Rajkot-born said.

“I would like to thank the BCCI, and Saurashtra Cricket Association for the opportunity and support through my cricket career. Am equally grateful to all the teams, franchises, and counties I have been able to represent over the years,” he added.

Pujara's Test numbers

A few years into the team, Pujara quickly cemented his spot as India's No. 3 following the retirement of Rahul Dravid. A little over two years after his debut, the Test match specialist hit his maiden double hundred, which came against England at Motera in Ahmedabad. This 206 not-out stands as his highest score in international cricket till date. However, this was not all, as he scored a couple of more double centuries, both of which came against Australia.

He now ends his career, representing the Indian team in 103 Tests, with 7195 runs at an average of 43.60. He scored 19 centuries and was a vital cog of the Virat Kohli-led side that was the No. 1 Test team for five consecutive years. His latest and most fruitful contribution came in India's victory during the famous Gabba win of 2021, where he took multiple body blows and had one of the most underrated contributions as Rishabh Pant took away all the limelight.

He last played a Test match for India back during the World Test Championship Final of 2023, which they lost to Australia, and a decline in his form over the last few months preceding the game was the reason he was pushed out of the side to make way for youngsters. Keeping the bad form aside, Pujara will be remembered as a true match-winner for the Indian team for several decades to come.