Veteran batsman Cheteshwar Pujara concluded a stellar career marked by the art of batting for a considerable amount of time in Test matches on Sunday by announcing his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket.
Together with my parents, I set out to achieve greatness as a little lad from the small village of Rajkot, hoping to play cricket for India. I had no idea at the time how much this game would provide me: priceless experiences, opportunities, love, purpose, and most importantly, the ability to represent my state and this wonderful country.
It’s hard to describe the true meaning of wearing the Indian shirt, chanting the anthem, and giving it my all every time I onto the field. In an emotional message on his social media, Pujara said, “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.”
With 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60 in 103 games, including 19 hundreds and 35 fifties, Pujara finishes as India’s eighth-highest run scorer in Test cricket. Pujara’s strategies of slogging down attacks with unwavering patience and grit, then feasting on them to score runs for his team, helped him flourish at an era when attacking batters were flooding Test matches.
“I want to express my gratitude to the Saurashtra Cricket Association and the BCCI for their support and opportunity throughout my cricket career. I also want to express my gratitude to every club, franchise, and county I have had the opportunity to represent throughout the years. Without the priceless advice of my mentors, coaches, and spiritual guru, I would not have progressed this far, and I will always be grateful to them,” he continued.
In October 2010, Pujara made his Test debut against Australia at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. He started at number three, ahead of Rahul Dravid, and helped India win with a brilliant chase of 72. He represented India in five ODIs as well.
The highlight of Pujara’s incredible Test career will be when he faced 1258 balls, scored 521 runs, and played a crucial part in India’s first Test series victory in Australia in 2018–19, earning him the title of Man of the Series. He was also present when India triumphed in the historic Test series in Australia in 2020–21 and at home in 2023.
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to all of my teammates, support staff, net bowlers, analysts, logistics team, umpires, ground staff, scorers, media, and everyone else who works so hard behind the scenes to make it possible for us to compete and play this game we love.”
“I sincerely appreciate your support and faith in me over the years, as well as your attention to my off-field endeavors, sponsors, partners, and management team. I’ve been all over the world thanks to the game, and the fervent encouragement and enthusiasm of the fans has never wavered. Wherever I have performed, the encouragement and well wishes have humbled me, and I will always be appreciative,” Pujara continued.
Fans will have more opportunities to hear Pujara’s insightful commentary whenever India plays Test matches thanks to his foray into cricket commentary, which included the 2-2 drawn series in England. However, Pujara was not included in the Indian squad following the team’s defeat to Australia in the 2023 World Test Championship Final at The Oval.
Naturally, without the unwavering support and countless sacrifices of my family—my parents, my wife Puja, my daughter Aditi, my in-laws, and the rest of my extended family—none of this would have been feasible or significant. They have made this trip genuinely worthwhile. I’m excited to prioritize them and spend more time with them in the next stage of my life. I appreciate all of your kindness and help. Pujara finished.
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