Former Indian middle-order batsman Cheteshwar Pujara on Sunday (August 24, 2025) announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.
Son and pupil of former Ranji player Arvind, Pujara grew up piling on big scores even as a boy: a triple-century in Under-14 cricket, and a double against England in Under-19.
“As a little boy from the small town of Rajkot, along with my parents, I set out to aim for the stars; and dreamt to be a part of the Indian cricket team. Little did I know then that this game would give me so much — invaluable opportunities, experiences, purpose, love, and above all a chance to represent my state and this great nation.
“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. 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,” said Pujara in a heartfelt note.
Photo:
Vijay Soneji
Former Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on August 24, 2025.
Photo:
Vijay Soneji
“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. 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,” said Pujara in a heartfelt note.
Photo:
Vijay Soneji
Pujara has played 103 Tests scoring 7,195 runs with 206 not out being his highest score. He has scored 19 centuries along with 35 half-centuries.
Photo:
K.R. Deepak
In first class cricket, he has played 278 matches scoring 21,301 runs with 352 being his highest. His average in first-class cricket is 51.82. He has scored 66 centuries and 81 half-centuries.
Photo:
K. Murali Kumar
Son and pupil of former Ranji player Arvind, Pujara grew up piling on big scores even as a boy: a triple-century in Under-14 cricket, and a double against England in Under-19.
Photo:
MURALI KUMAR K
In a heartfelt note, Cheteshwar Pujara said “As a little boy from the small town of Rajkot, along with my parents, I set out to aim for the stars; and dreamt to be a part of the Indian cricket team. Little did I know then that this game would give me so much — invaluable opportunities, experiences, purpose, love, and above all a chance to represent my state and this great nation.”
Photo:
MURALI KUMAR K
Cheteshwar Pujara also has played 71 T20 matches scoring 1,556 runs with 100 being his best.
Photo:
MOORTHY RV
In his brief white-ball career, Pujara played five one-day internationals during 2013-14, but cemented his place in the test side while mostly batting at No. 3 after Rahul Dravid quit international cricket. Pujara, a technically proficient right-handed batter, made his test debut against Australia at Bengaluru in 2010 and was part of many memorable victories against the same opposition in red-ball cricket.
Published – August 24, 2025 12:39 pm IST
