Cheteshwar Pujara, an Indian senior hitter, has declared his retirement from all forms of cricket, effective immediately. The right-handed veteran announced on Sunday, August 24, that he will be withdrawing from both international and domestic cricket duties with Saurashtra.
In October 2010, the 37-year-old made his Test debut against Australia at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Following Rahul Dravid’s retirement, he quickly established himself as India’s consistent No. 3 batsman, known for his patience and ability to lead extended innings. One of his most memorable performances occurred in 2012, when he hit a double century against England at the Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Pujara played 103 Tests for India, scoring 7195 runs at an average of 43.60, including 19 hundreds. He was instrumental throughout the Virat Kohli era, particularly in international victories. His most well-known contribution was during India’s historic Gabba Test triumph in 2021, when he valiantly sustained multiple body knocks to halt the Australian attack, allowing Rishabh Pant and others to seal the historical win.
Pujara’s last Test appearance was in the 2023 ICC World Test Championship Final against Australia at The Oval, where India lost. A drop in form in the months running up to that match forced him out of the team, making room for the next generation of Indian batters.
“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. Thank you for all the love and support,” Pujara wrote on X.
“I would like to thank the BCCI, and Saurashtra Cricket Association for the opportunity and support through my cricket career. Am equally grateful to all the teams, franchises, and counties I have been able to represent over the years,” he added.
Take a look at how ‘X’ users reacted to Cheteshwar Pujara’s retirement news:
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… pic.twitter.com/p8yOd5tFyT
— Cheteshwar Pujara (@cheteshwar1) August 24, 2025
Congratulations on a fantastic career!You have been a great ambassador of this wonderful game @cheteshwar1 We are all proud of all your achievements on the cricket field. You gave it your all for the team! It was a privilege to have worked with you and may you continue to shine…
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) August 24, 2025
An outstanding career @cheteshwar1 . You must be mighty proud of what you achieved snd wish you a very happy second innings. https://t.co/jiwa6r4e3O
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) August 24, 2025
Congratulations on a fabulous test career @cheteshwar1 .
Your grit ,determination and hardwork was inspiring and you can be very proud of what you have achieved. Best wishes for a memorable second innings. pic.twitter.com/xtQZPnGo2W
— Virrender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 24, 2025
First of his name, last of his kind. Take a bow on a stellar career @cheteshwar1 🙌🏻 You should be mighty proud of what you achieved donning the India cap. Congratulations and all the best for what’s to come 🤗 pic.twitter.com/JURHSo3QIG
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) August 24, 2025
He stood tall when the storm raged, he fought when hope was fading. Congratulations Pujji 🇮🇳@cheteshwar1 pic.twitter.com/0Tj836uoO9
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) August 24, 2025
Someone who always put his mind, body and soul for the country! Many congratulations on an outstanding career Puji! See you on the other side! @cheteshwar1 pic.twitter.com/gbpscDGFZd
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) August 24, 2025
Congratulations brother @cheteshwar1 for amazing career 🇮🇳🙌! Good luck to you and family 🕉️🙌 https://t.co/eLCAtMr26q
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) August 24, 2025
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From the time I first saw Pujara and his potential, it was brilliant to see that potential translating into performance. His courage, grit and determination stood out and the body blows that he took in the Gabba test we won against Australia symbolised Pujara the cricketer for… pic.twitter.com/HsM54bVRVa
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) August 24, 2025
Congratulations Pujji on a wonderful career. Loved every moment of playing alongside you and will always cherish our special Test wins together. Best wishes for the second innings!
— Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) August 24, 2025
Thank you pujji bhai ❤️🇮🇳 @cheteshwar1 pic.twitter.com/xhJs6I67rt
— Shubman Gill (@ShubmanGill) August 24, 2025
Your grit has always spoken before your name @cheteshwar1 Big congratulations on a wonderful career. Your aggression was visible in your defence and you’ve made India proud, Pujji. Wishing you the best for second innings.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) August 24, 2025
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