Cheteshwar Pujara retirement news highlights India’s modern wall ending his Test career with 7,195 runs, 19 centuries, and unforgettable performances including the 2018 Australia series.
Cheteshwar Pujara, India’s Modern Wall, Bids Farewell to Cricket
Pujara’s Retirement Announcement
On August 24, 2025, Cheteshwar Pujara, fondly known as the “modern-day wall” of Indian cricket, announced his retirement from all formats of the game, drawing curtains on a distinguished career that spanned over a decadeThe 37-year-old posted a heartfelt message on social media, expressing profound gratitude: “Wearing the Indian jersey… all good things must come to an end.”
Career Highlights: Stat Sheet of a Stalwart
Pujara’s reputation was built on resilience and patience. Over 103 Test matches, he scored 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries His domestic exploits were even more remarkable—with 21,301 runs and 66 centuries across formats
Defining Contributions in Crucial Series
His turn-around performances in iconic series were unparalleled. In the 2018–19 tour of Australia, Pujara amassed 521 runs, earning him the Player of the Series award and playing a vital role in India’s historic Test series win Down Under
Tributes Pour In
Tributes have flooded in from cricketing greats:
- Sachin Tendulkar: Called Pujara’s arrival at No. 3 “always reassuring,” hailing his calm approach and resilience
- Sunil Gavaskar: Led the tributes, acknowledging how Pujara made India proud throughout his career
- Anil Kumble: Termed him “a great ambassador” of the game and praised his dedication
The Quiet Farewell
Notably, Pujara follows the trend of Indian greats like MS Dhoni and Virender Sehwag, retiring without a formal farewell match—a quiet exit for a player who stood tall under immense pressure.
B) Why This News Is Important
Relevance to Government Exams
This news is highly significant for students preparing for government exams—particularly in sections like current affairs, general knowledge, or sport-related news. Cheteshwar Pujara was a symbol of technical excellence, discipline, and perseverance. His name and career milestones, such as his role in India’s historic 2018–19 Test series win in Australia and his domestic record of over 21,000 runs, are likely to be asked in exam questions.
Broader Implications
Pujara’s retirement marks the end of an era in Test cricket—one of classical, patient batting in a time increasingly favoring aggressive styles. Understanding this shift provides insights into evolving sports strategies and cultural narratives in Indian cricket, themes occasionally reflected in essay-writing or comprehension prompts in exams. Moreover, the nature of his quiet exit versus a grand farewell may spark discussions on sportsmanship and media portrayal of sports icons—areas relevant for ethics or general studies papers.
C) Historical Context
Early Emergence & Domestic Dominance
Cheteshwar Pujara debuted in first-class cricket for Saurashtra in 2005 and made his Test debut in 2010 underlining his rise through consistent performances He became a key component of India’s middle order post the retirements of Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman, known especially for his classical technique and temperament
Moments of Mastery
Pujara’s career featured numerous standout innings:
- Double centuries against England (2012) and Australia (2013) that shaped match outcomes
- His relentless batting at the Gabba in 2021, where he withstood ferocious bowling under pressure, contributed to one of India’s most memorable Test wins
Domestic Achievements
He set a record for most runs in an Indian first-class season in 2017, surpassing a 1964 mark, and amassed the most double centuries by an Indian in first-class cricket
It is within this context—of unyielding technique, consistency, and team-first ethos—that Pujara earned the moniker “India’s modern-day wall,” a title befitting his unwavering presence at the crease
D) Key Takeaways from “Pujara’s Retirement”
| S. No | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cheteshwar Pujara announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on August 24, 2025. |
| 2 | He played 103 Tests, scoring 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries. |
| 3 | His domestic record includes over 21,301 runs and 66 centuries, highlighting his consistency. |
| 4 | Instrumental in India’s historic 2018–19 Test series win in Australia, earning Player of the Series. |
| 5 | Received tributes from cricket legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, and Anil Kumble for his calm resilience and team-first approach |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. When did Cheteshwar Pujara announce his retirement?
A: He announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on August 24, 2025.
Q2. How many Test runs did Pujara score for India?
A: He scored 7,195 runs in 103 Test matches at an average of 43.60.
Q3. Which series is considered Pujara’s career-defining moment?
A: The 2018–19 Test series in Australia, where he scored 521 runs and won the Player of the Series award.
Q4. What is Pujara’s domestic career record?
A: He accumulated over 21,301 runs with 66 centuries in domestic cricket.
Q5. Why is Pujara called “India’s Modern Wall”?
A: He earned this title due to his solid defensive technique and mental resilience, similar to Rahul Dravid, the original “Wall” of Indian cricket.
Q6. Which cricket legends paid tribute to Pujara after his retirement?
A: Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, and Anil Kumble among others.
Q7. Did Pujara retire with a farewell match?
A: No, he retired without a formal farewell match, joining the list of Indian legends like MS Dhoni and Virender Sehwag.
Q8. When did Pujara make his Test debut?
A: He made his Test debut in 2010 against Australia at Bangalore.
Q9. What is Pujara’s highest Test score?
A: His highest Test score is 206 against England in 2012*.
Q10. What values can aspirants learn from Pujara’s career for exams and life?
A: Perseverance, patience, discipline, and resilience under pressure.
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