Cheteshwar Pujara: India’s Test Cricket Warrior Bids Goodbye

Why is Cheteshwar Pujara Trending in 2025?

Cheteshwar Pujara, one of India’s most dependable Test batsmen, is trending now because he officially announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket on August 24, 2025. The news has brought an outpouring of tributes from the cricketing community, with fans, teammates, and experts calling him a modern-day Test match warrior.

A Career Built on Patience and Grit

Pujara made his Test debut in 2010, stepping into the shoes of Rahul Dravid, and over the next 15 years, he became the backbone of India’s batting lineup.

• Matches Played: 103 Tests

• Runs Scored: 7,195

• Batting Average: 43.60

• Centuries: 19

• Half-Centuries: 35

Known for his calm temperament and old-school batting style, he was never one for flashy shots. Instead, he earned respect for his ability to grind out long innings, wear down bowlers, and hold India steady in challenging situations.

Iconic Contributions to Indian Cricket

🔹 Hero in Australia

Pujara’s defining moment came during India’s historic 2018–19 Test series win in Australia, where he scored 521 runs and was named Player of the Series. He played marathon innings that broke the spirit of Australia’s fast bowlers.

Again, in the 2020–21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, his grit was unmatched. Despite being hit multiple times on the body, he held firm, laying the foundation for India’s famous Gabba victory.

🔹 The “Wall” of Modern India

Much like Rahul Dravid, Pujara was seen as India’s Wall in Test cricket—a batsman who valued his wicket and believed in the art of occupying the crease. His resilience earned him admiration not just in India but worldwide.

Retirement Without a Farewell

Unlike some cricketing greats who received grand send-offs, Pujara announced his retirement quietly, without a farewell match. This puts him in the same bracket as legends like MS Dhoni, Virender Sehwag, and Yuvraj Singh, who also bowed out without a goodbye game.

The BCCI praised his perseverance and selflessness, while fans took to social media, expressing both pride in his contributions and disappointment that he didn’t get a final Test to bid farewell.

What’s Next for Cheteshwar Pujara?

Even though his playing days are over, Pujara is far from stepping away from cricket. Reports suggest:

• He may take up coaching and mentoring roles to guide young cricketers.

• He has already begun working as a commentator and analyst, including with BBC Test Match Special earlier in 2025.

• His deep understanding of Test cricket makes him a valuable voice for the sport’s future.

Conclusion

Cheteshwar Pujara’s career will be remembered for courage, patience, and determination. He wasn’t about glamour or power-hitting—he was about grit, survival, and team-first attitude. His legacy goes beyond numbers; it’s about keeping the soul of Test cricket alive in an age of T20 dominance.

As he begins his second innings off the field, Pujara leaves behind a legacy that will inspire young cricketers to embrace discipline and perseverance. Truly, he will always be remembered as India’s Test cricket warrior.