Cricketing circles lit up with heartfelt tributes as Cheteshwar Pujara announced his retirement from international cricket, closing the chapter on a storied Test career that spanned over a decade.
The 37-year-old batter, renowned for his resilience and classical technique, shared the news via social media. Pujara retires as India’s eighth-highest scorer in Test history, amassing 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries.
A cornerstone of India’s Test dominance in the late 2010s, Pujara was celebrated for his ability to anchor innings under pressure. His contributions in the World Test Championship Finals of 2021 and 2023, and his unforgettable performance at the Gabba in 2021, remain etched in cricketing memory.
Tributes poured in from across the cricketing spectrum:
- Shubman Gill, India’s current Test captain, led the acknowledgments, praising Pujara’s legacy at No.3.
- Gautam Gambhir, now head coach, highlighted Pujara’s unwavering grit and mental toughness.
- Anil Kumble, who coached India during a pivotal phase of Pujara’s career, lauded his consistency and character.
- Harsha Bhogle, veteran commentator, described Pujara as a player who embodied “class and dignity.”
- VVS Laxman recalled the batter’s heroic stand at the Gabba, where he absorbed relentless pace to help India clinch a historic win.
As the cricketing world salutes Pujara’s journey, his legacy as a purist in the modern game stands tall—a reminder that patience, poise, and perseverance still have a place in Test cricket.