India has bid farewell to one of its most stoic and selfless servants of Test cricket — Cheteshwar Pujara retires from all forms of the game, bringing the curtains down on a career that was as steadfast as it was prolific. Known for his monk-like patience and unshakeable discipline, Pujara stood tall for more than a decade as India’s immovable force in red-ball cricket.
At 37, the Rajkot-born stalwart leaves behind a colossal legacy: 7,195 Test runs in 103 matches and a staggering 21,301 first-class runs with 66 centuries — feats that put him among the elite in Indian cricket history. Yet what truly sets him apart is the fact that his domestic record isn’t just impressive — it’s historic.
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The Backbone of Saurashtra’s Rise
For Saurashtra, he wasn’t just a player — he was a movement. With 7,774 runs at an average of 62.19 and 25 centuries, Pujara redefined consistency in the Ranji Trophy. His role in two Ranji Trophy titles (2019/20 & 2022/23) was pivotal, often grinding out marathon innings that broke the spirit of opposition bowlers.
His remarkable three triple centuries in first-class cricket — matched only by teammate Ravindra Jadeja — underline his hunger for big scores. Even after being phased out of the Indian Test squad post the 2023 World Test Championship final, he continued to dominate domestic cricket, setting an example for young players on valuing process over glamour.
Test Cricket’s Relentless Warrior
On the international stage, Pujara was affectionately called “The Wall 2.0” — the spiritual successor to Rahul Dravid. Whether it was batting for 500-plus minutes in Sydney, taking body blows in Brisbane, or saving matches in England, Pujara’s value couldn’t be measured merely in runs — it was measured in time, in resistance, in character.
His 18 double centuries in first-class cricket place him 4th on the global all-time list, behind Don Bradman, Wally Hammond and Patsy Hendren. Among Indians, only the legendary Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid have scored more first-class hundreds than him.
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The Final Goodbye
While fans expected him to feature in yet another Ranji season, Cheteshwar Pujara retires with a heartfelt message: “All good things must come to an end.” He balanced commentary commitments with fitness training till the very end — a testament to his professionalism.
His farewell is not just the end of a player’s journey — it’s the conclusion of a philosophy: that Test cricket is still about grit, grind and greatness.
As Cheteshwar Pujara retires, he leaves behind a template for young cricketers — a template of discipline, humility and love for the long game. India may find many stroke-makers in the future, but it will be rare to find another Pujara.
