A pillar of strength for the Indian cricket team and a stalwart of the Test squad, Cheteshwar Pujara, announced his retirement from international cricket on August 24, 2025. The 37-year-old Pujara gifted Indian cricket with numerous memorable moments throughout his 15-year-long career.
Sports News: Veteran Indian Test cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara declared his retirement from international cricket on Sunday, August 24. Pujara, aged 37, played a total of 103 Test matches in his career and scored 7195 runs. He notched up 19 centuries and maintained an average of over 43 in Test cricket.
Pujara had been out of the Test team for the past two years and has now decided to retire without any regrets. Pujara clarified that this is the right time for him to move on and also stated that he has no regrets about this decision.
Pujara's Statement After Retirement
Following his retirement, Pujara, in a conversation with the media in his hometown, said,
'I have no regrets. I got the opportunity to play for India for a long time, which not every player gets. I am grateful to my family and all the people who supported me.'
Pujara also clarified that now is the right time for him to move on. He said that he will no longer pick up the bat on the cricket field, but will remain connected to the game. Pujara has already done commentary in the England series and will now be active in commentary and other cricket-related activities.
Key Achievements of Pujara's Career
Cheteshwar Pujara made his debut in Test cricket in 2010 under the captaincy of Mahendra Singh Dhoni. After Rahul Dravid's retirement in 2012, he firmly took over the team's number-3 position. The most memorable achievement of Pujara's career is considered to be the 2018-19 Australia Test series. In this series, he scored three centuries and a total of 521 runs, while facing 1258 balls, keeping the team in a b position. This performance of his was highly appreciated in the cricket world.
Pujara also recalled his debut day. He said that when he went into the dressing room, legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Virender Sehwag, and Gautam Gambhir were present. This moment was the proudest experience of Pujara's career.
Pujara Fulfilled His Mother's Dream
Pujara expressed his emotions towards his parents. His mother, Reena Pujara, passed away in 2005 due to cancer. Pujara said that his mother always used to say that one day her son would play for India. Today, he can proudly say that his mother's dream has been fulfilled. Pujara also expressed his gratitude to his spiritual guru, Haricharan Das Ji Maharaj.
He said that Guruji always taught him that it is important to remain calm and balanced even in stressful situations. This principle has guided Pujara's career and life. Cheteshwar Pujara is known as ‘The Wall’ of the Indian Test team. His game is particularly famous for long innings and for staying at the crease in difficult conditions. Pujara's technique, patience, and mental fortitude have helped the Indian team to overcome difficult situations in many matches.
Pujara scored 19 centuries and 43 half-centuries in a total of 103 Test matches. His average was above 43, which is an indication of consistency in Test cricket. His name will always be counted among the players who strengthened Indian cricket at the international level.
