Cheteshwar Pujara announces retirement after 103 Tests. The ‘Wall 2.0’ of India bids goodbye, leaving behind grit, glory, and respect.
The Silent Warrior Bids Goodbye
Cheteshwar Pujara’s retirement is like finishing your favorite long novel — you know it had to end, but you’re still staring at the last page in disbelief. The man who made bowlers sweat bullets and fans bite their nails has decided to hang up his boots after playing 103 Tests and 5 ODIs for India.
And let’s be honest, Pujara’s game wasn’t built for T20 fireworks or reel-worthy sixes. He wasn’t the batsman who danced down the track; he was the one who made bowlers dance in frustration. A straight bat, a calm head, and the patience of a monk — that’s the Pujara legacy.
As he himself said in his retirement note, the time has come to let the younger players take center stage. And in that one line, he reminded us why he was always more about the team than himself.
The Rajkot Rock
Born in Rajkot, Pujara was destined to face life’s bouncers head-on. From Ranji Trophy marathons to Test match blockathons, he carried the aura of a man who had all the time in the world — and sometimes made bowlers feel like they didn’t.
- Debut: 2010 vs Australia at Bangalore.
- Last Test: 2023 World Test Championship final vs Australia.
- Runs: Over 7,000 Test runs, averaging close to 44.
- Centuries: 19, each celebrated like Diwali in Saurashtra.
Pujara wasn’t about speed; he was about substance. While others scored 300 in a session, Pujara was happy to face 300 balls for a century. And guess what? That’s exactly what India needed in the era of fast-paced cricket.
Why Did Pujara Retire?
In an interview with Times of India, Pujara said he consulted his family, friends, and fellow cricketers before making the decision. But the biggest reason was simple — to give youngsters a chance.
It’s important that young players get the right time to prove themselves – Pujara said.
That’s vintage Pujara — thinking about the team even while walking out of it. He also revealed that media work and mentoring young players had started to excite him. So while the bat may rest, the cricket brain is still wide awake.
Battles That Made Him a Legend
Ask any Indian fan about Pujara’s best knocks, and you’ll hear two words loud and clear: Australia 2021.
Remember Sydney? Remember Brisbane? Remember the bruises he wore like badges of honor? Pujara stood like an iron wall while Cummins, Hazlewood, and Starc threw everything at him. By the end, the Aussies looked more tired than Pujara’s shoes.
Some other iconic knocks:
- 2010 debut fifty vs Australia — the perfect trailer.
- 2012 double century vs England — the full movie.
- Countless match-saving innings in India’s overseas triumphs.
And when asked which bowlers troubled him the most, he humbly admitted: Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, James Anderson, and Pat Cummins. Which is like saying, “I only struggled against the absolute best.” Classic Pujara.
The Respect Factor
Unlike flamboyant stars, Pujara’s charm was in his simplicity. No tattoos, no drama, no controversies. Just pure cricket. He was the guy who carried a thermos of calmness into the chaos of international cricket.
Even Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and MS Dhoni have praised him countless times for his role in shaping India’s Test dominance. He wasn’t just a batsman; he was India’s insurance policy at No. 3.
Fans React: The Emotional Farewell
The moment he announced his retirement, social media exploded with love. Fans called him the “New Wall”, the “Shield of India”, and some even joked, “Now bowlers can finally sleep peacefully.”
Celebrities, cricketers, and journalists showered him with tributes. For once, the cricketing world united without debate — everyone agreed: Pujara was special.
Life After Retirement
Pujara isn’t walking into the sunset with silence. He’s already dabbling in media, commentary, and mentoring young players. And given his calm voice and sharp cricketing brain, don’t be surprised if you see him as the next Rahul Dravid — off the field.
Also, don’t rule out the possibility of him playing county cricket, domestic tournaments, or popping up as a coach for India in the future. If anything, his story is just entering its next chapter.
A Legacy Beyond Numbers
Sure, his stats are solid. But Pujara’s legacy lies beyond numbers. He taught fans that patience is still a skill, that Test cricket is still about grit, and that you can be a hero without hitting sixes into the stands.
Cheteshwar Pujara retirement is not just India losing a batsman. It’s the game losing a symbol of resilience. And if you ask any young Indian cricketer, they’ll tell you: “We grew up wanting to be like Kohli, but we also wanted Pujara in our team.”
Final Word: The Gentle Giant
As Pujara waves goodbye, we are left with memories — of bruised arms, blocked balls, and priceless victories.
Cricket has many entertainers, but only a few guardians. Pujara was one.
If Kohli was fire, Pujara was the firewall.
What’s your favorite Cheteshwar Pujara innings?
Drop it in the comments, share this with your cricket-crazy friends, and let’s keep the legend alive in conversations.
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