Cheteshwar Pujara, veteran cricketer and Indian cricket stalwart, has called it a day from the international fraternity at the age of 37. He’s had an extraordinary run that lasted over 10 years. In doing so, he developed into one of India’s most consistent Test match batsmen during this period. Pujara’s most recent outing for his national side was in the 2023 World Test Championship final.
Pujara made his Test debut in 2010, eventually playing 103 Test matches. He has already scored an astonishing 7,195 runs with 19 centuries. He played a huge role in helping the Indian Test team secure its first Test series win on Australian soil during the riveting 2018-19 series. He went on to be named player of the series after scoring 521 runs in only seven innings.
Though Pujara has taken a break from international cricket, he’s been keeping himself as busy as ever in domestic formats. He is a regular fixture on the English county cricket circuit. He has left the international arena, following a path that a number of other senior players have taken by retiring from Test cricket. Interestingly, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin took the same steps within the last year.
Pujara announced his retirement on social media, thanking everyone for making his cricket journey special.
“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!” – Cheteshwar Pujara
Legendary Indian spinner and cricket commentator Anil Kumble, a former captain himself, took to social media to thank Pujara for a phenomenal career. In recognizing Pujara’s contributions to the game and service as a cricket ambassador, he had been anything but routine.
“Congratulations on a fantastic career! You have been a great ambassador of this wonderful game.” – Anil Kumble
Kumble said that this very journey has made him proud of the days Pujara has served Indian cricket and that unwavering determination while donning the Indian jersey.
“We are all proud of all your achievements on the cricket field. You gave it your all for the team! It was a privilege to have worked with you and may you continue to shine in your second innings.” – Anil Kumble
Pujara looked back on his time in blue with great pride, saying that playing for India was as good as it gets.
“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,” – Cheteshwar Pujara
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