Cheteshwar Pujara, India’s tireless Test specialist, announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket on August 24, 2025, ending a remarkable era defined by grit, patience, and unwavering commitment. Over 103 Tests, Pujara amassed 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries, placing him eighth among India’s all-time Test run-getters.

Making his Test debut in 2010, Pujara swiftly became the backbone of India’s batting line-up, especially after the retirements of legends Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman. Renowned for his resilience, he faced more than 15,000 deliveries in Test cricket and is the only Indian to have faced over 500 balls in a single innings — 525 balls for his 202 against Australia in Ranchi, 2017. He was also a key architect of India’s historic Test series win in Australia in 2018–19, where his ability to bat long set modern benchmarks for perseverance.

Pujara concludes his career with an extraordinary legacy in domestic cricket, scoring 21,301 first-class runs including 66 centuries and 18 double centuries. His old-school approach and unyielding temperament have earned him respect as the embodiment of Test cricket’s virtues, leaving behind memories of epic resistance and invaluable contributions to Indian cricket.