On Sunday, Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara officially announced his retirement from all formats of the game. The veteran Indian batsman brought a close to an immensely astounding cricketing career on August 24.
Pujara earned admiration for his resilience and patience on the field and these traits have made him a pillar of the Indian Test landscape, especially in challenging overseas conditions.
Born in Rajkot, Gujarat, Pujara was introduced to the game by his father and then coach, Arvind Pujara, former decorated Ranji Trophy player himself. Under his father’s guidance, Pujara scored a triple-century in U-14 cricket and later notched a double-century against England in U-19 internationals.
Pujara reflected on his cricket journey in a note shared with fans and the cricketing fraternity. He spoke about his beginnings that shaped his dream. He mentioned, “As a young boy from the small town of Rajkot, I dreamed of wearing the Indian jersey, with my parents by my side, encouraging me every step of the way.” He wrote, “What started as a childhood dream turned into a life field with purpose, opportunities, and countless unforgettable memories.”
He recalled the pride of donning the Indian colors, singing the national anthem, and stepping onto the field with the sole goal of giving his best for the country.
“These moments are hard to describe in words,” he noted.
He acknowledged that all journeys must eventually reach their end and announced his decision with gratitude. The cricketer said, “It’s not easy to say goodbye to something that has given me everything, but with a heart full of thanks, I’ve decided to retire from all forms of Indian cricket.”
Throughout his career, Pujara was celebrated among many for his quiet determination and selfless commitment to team goals. These qualities have reflected in his illustrious career, particularly in the Test format with over 103 Tests, 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries. However, it was also his ability to anchor innings and hostile bowling attacks with a remarkable poise that earned him the tag of India’s modern-day “Wall”.
Fans are upset to bid farewell to one of its most disciplined and respected batsmen. Pujara now leaves behind a legacy built on hard work and humility. Cheteshwar Pujara will continue to inspire the next generation with a journey that began as a young boy’s dream from Rajkot to becoming the national team’s most dependable Test batsmen.