Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket on Sunday, August 24. He took to his official X handle to announce his retirement.
Pujara’s career spanned nearly 15 years, in which he played 103 Test matches for India and scored 7,195 runs, including 19 hundreds, from 103 matches, averaging 43.60.
The last Test he played for India was the 2023 World Test Championship final at The Oval against India. Not a part of the current Test team, Pujara decided to announce his international retirement for India.
Also Read: Cheteshwar Pujara Retires From All Forms Of Indian Cricket
Tendulkar, Gavaskar Hails Cheteshwar Pujara's Greatness As A Test Batter
Cheteshwar Pujara joins the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin to be among the veterans who announced their Test retirements recently.
Pujara’s best for India came against Australia in back to back tours in 2018-19 and 2020-21 series. He scored 521 runs in the 2018-19 series and 271 runs in he 2020-21 series. Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar hailed Pujara’s contribution to Indian cricket, calling him an old-school cricketer. He also hailed Pujara’s grit and selflessness with the bat.
"One of the old-school cricketers who put India above everything else. Took endless blows for Indian cricket but never took a backward step. Hopefully, Indian cricket will use his experience and expertise to teach young budding cricketers that whatever they become in life is because of Indian cricket and it should come above anything and everything," Gavaskar told TOI.
Sachin Tendulkar took to his official X account to praise Cheteshwar Pujara’s performances at number three in Test cricket for India.
“Pujara, it was always reassuring to see you walk out at No.3. You brought calm, courage, and a deep love for Test cricket every time you played,” he wrote on social media.
He further hailed Pujara’s contribution behind India’s Test series win against Australia in 2018-19 by praising his gritty contributions.
“Your solid technique, patience, and composure under pressure have been a pillar for the team. Out of many, the 2018 series win in Australia stands out, it wouldn’t have been possible without your incredible resilience and match-winning runs. Congratulations on a wonderful career. Good luck for the next chapter. Enjoy your second innings!” he added.
Pujara's Last Test Century Came Against Bangladesh in 2022
Pujara’s last century, which was the 19th of his Test career, came against Bangladesh in 2022, three years after he scored his previous against Australia in Sydney.
Also Read: Top 5 Test Knocks Of Cheteshwar Pujara
