Cheteshwar Pujara, who was Team India’s consistent No.3 batter in tests, recently announced his retirement from all formats of international cricket. This announcement comes three months after the veteran batter showed his eagerness to make a comeback in test cricket and represent India.
Earlier this year, in May, Pujara acknowledged that he wanted to be part of India’s squad for the England tour, which comprised 5-match test series.
However, it is reported that the main reason behind the 37-year-old’s decision was due to his snub from the squads of the Indian test team and the West Zone’s Duleep Trophy.
Meanwhile, the reports from Cricbuzz claimed that the right-handed batter voiced his opinion to play the Ranji Trophy 2025.
Pujara’s International Cricket Retirement: Sudden Decision or Pre-Planned?
In a media interaction with Aaj Tak, Pujara clarified that he didn’t make any plans earlier and recently decided to retire from international cricket:
“Yeah! Earlier, I didn’t think too much about this. For one week, slight thoughts were going through my mind that this could be the right time to take a call. So, today, it was a proud moment not only for me, but also for my family, when I made this decision.
This is the day I want to thank all my coaches, support staff, and teammates whom I have worked with.
Since childhood, it has been my dream to play for Team India. And when my dream was accomplished, I travelled through this journey for several years. Also, we have several memories and proud moments to cherish in my cricket career,” Pujara said.
Pujara Gives a Clear Clarity: A Personal Decision or Forced One?
Furthermore, Cheteshwar Pujara clarified that it was his personal decision to retire from all formats so that he could pave the way for youngsters to get extra chances in domestic cricket:
“See! It was my personal decision and I took this call at the right time. So, this allows the young talents to get more opportunities in the domestic circuit.
Previously, I felt that I could play this season’s Ranji Trophy. Later, I changed my mind that young players can be groomed to represent at the international level only if they get this chance.
Reiterating my statement, it was my personal call and today is a memorable day for me. Also, I wasn’t part of the Indian cricket team over the past few years. Right now, I don’t want to say or dwell too much about it.
The journey with the Indian cricket team, the matches, and series we played together means something very special for me.
However, I am thankful that I was able to play for India several years. Recalling my career, I suffered two big injuries in 2009 and 2011. Still, I was able to recover and played so many years, which I never even thought could happen,” Pujara clarified few facts.
Cheteshwar Pujara’s Last Test Match for Team India
The World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 final between India and Australia at the Kennington Oval in London was Cheteshwar Pujara’s last appearance in international test cricket.
In both innings, he managed to score just 14 and 27 runs respectively. Perhaps, a two-year gap might have forced Pujara to conclude his international cricket career before reaching 40.
Pujara’s Rankings Among India’s Leading Run Scorers in Tests
Notably, Cheteshwar Pujara was the eighth-highest run scorer for India in tests, and here is a detailed list:
| Rankings | Indian Batter | Test Career Span | Runs Scored in Tests |
| 1. | Sachin Tendulkar | 1989 to 2013 | 15,921 Runs in 329 Innings (200 Test Matches) |
| 2. | Rahul Dravid | 1996 to 2012 | 13,288 Runs in 286 Innings (164 Test Matches) |
| 3. | Sunil Gavaskar | 1971 to 1987 | 10,122 Runs in 284 Innings (125 Test Matches) |
| 4. | Virat Kohli | 2011 to 2025 | 9,230 Runs in 210 Innings (123 Test Matches) |
| 5. | VVS Laxman | 1996 to 2012 | 8,781 Runs in 225 Innings (134 Test Matches) |
| 6. | Virender Sehwag | 2001 to 2013 | 8,586 Runs in 180 Innings (104 Test Matches) |
| 7. | Sourav Ganguly | 1996 to 2008 | 7,212 Runs in 188 Innings (113 Test Matches) |
| 8. | Cheteshwar Pujara | 2010 to 2023 | 7,195 Runs in 176 Innings (103 Test Matches) |
Revealing Pujara’s Favorite Test Series
Although Cheteshwar Pujara made noteworthy contributions for India in several test series, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2018-19 remains his all-time favorite.
He ranked as the leading run scorer in the series by accumulating 521 runs in 7 innings at an average of 74.42. Also, he played a main role in guiding India to their maiden test series victory in Australia.
Pujara was named the Player of the Series, having scored 3 tons and a fifty to his name. Here is what the experienced batter had to say:
“Certainly! There are several memories I would like to recollect, but the Australian tour in 2018 was the most memorable one. It was one such series that the Indian cricket team won for the first time in Australia, and it was the most important contest as well.
Later, we were able to replicate the success and once again clinched the series on Australian soil with a weaker team back in 2021. So, these two series will always remain a special one to me,” Pujara added.
Conclusion
Cheteshwar Pujara’s legacy in test cricket is beyond his numbers, having shown a great level of patience, determination, and flawless techniques in his batting.
His statement points out his selfless commitment towards Indian cricket and voluntarily stepped away so that the younger players can take up his role in the longest format.
As Pujara makes a silent exit from international cricket without getting a well-deserved farewell, the focus now shifts towards players like KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant. These modern-day cricketers have exhibited a great level of patience and determination that reminds us of Pujara’s batting style and promises to keep the future of Indian test cricket bright.