Indian Test batsman Cheteshwar Pujara, who will be remembered as one of the finest players to represent India in the longest format of the game after Rahul Dravid, announced his retirement on Sunday.
The 37-year-old right-hander shared his retirement post on social media.
In his emotional post shared on X, Pujara said: “As a little boy from the small town of Rajkot, along with my parents, I set out to aim for the stars; and dreamt to be a part of the Indian cricket team. Little did I know then that this game would give me so much – invaluable opportunities, experiences, purpose, love, and above all a chance to represent my State and this great Nation.”
“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,” he said.
Pujara’s last outing for India occurred two years ago when he played the World Test Championship against Australia in 2023.
In his career that spanned 15 years, Pujara represented India in 103 Tests and 5 ODIs, scoring more than 7000 runs across the two formats of the game.
A specialist in Test, Pujara failed to make an impressive mark in ODIs and T20 formats.
Despite playing 5 ODIs, he was never included in the T20 team.
Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir reacted to Pujara’s decision to retire and wrote on X: “He stood tall when the storm raged, he fought when hope was fading. Congratulations Pujji.”
Former Indian great VVS Laxman said: “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 me, willing to give everything he has for his country. Well done @cheteshwar1 and wish you a happy and joyous second innings.”
