New Delhi – In an era dominated by fast-paced T20 cricket, Cheteshwar Pujara carved a niche for himself with his unwavering dedication to Test cricket. His patient and resilient batting style not only brought him significant success but also established him as one of India’s most dependable Test players for over a decade.
Born on 25 January 1988 in Rajkot, Gujarat, Pujara’s journey into cricket was deeply influenced by his father, Arvind Pujara, a former first-class cricketer and coach. Although Arvind never got the chance to represent India, he saw his dream fulfilled through his son’s achievements on the international stage.
Starting his career with Saurashtra in domestic cricket, Pujara made his first-class debut in 2005. After consistent performances over five years, he earned his Test debut in 2010 against Australia, at a time when Indian cricket was seeking successors for veterans Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman. Pujara quickly cemented his place, becoming a regular and reliable member of the Test squad.
Key Contributions and Memorable Performances
Between 2010 and 2023, Pujara played a pivotal role in India’s Test successes both at home and abroad. His outstanding performance during the historic 2018-19 Australia tour is particularly remembered, where he scored 521 runs across four Tests, expertly handling the challenging Australian bowling attack. This effort was crucial for India’s first-ever Border-Gavaskar Trophy win on Australian soil.
Some of Pujara’s finest innings include a 206-run knock against England in Ahmedabad (2012), 153 against South Africa in Johannesburg (2013), a marathon 202 off 525 balls against Australia in Ranchi (2017), and valuable contributions in the 2018 Adelaide Test and the 2021 Sydney and Brisbane matches. These innings showcased his remarkable concentration and technique.
Career Highlights and Retirement
Over 103 Test matches and 176 innings, Pujara amassed 7,195 runs, including 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries, at an average of 43.60, with a highest score of an unbeaten 206. Apart from international cricket, he also found success in county cricket, further demonstrating his adaptability and skill.
On 24 August 2025, Cheteshwar Pujara announced his retirement from international cricket. His commitment to the longest format during the rise of T20 cricket has left an indelible mark on Indian cricket history, earning him lasting respect and remembrance as the modern-day ‘Wall’ after Rahul Dravid.
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