Cheteshwar Pujara, a name synonymous with grit, resilience, and unwavering Test match temperament, has called time on his illustrious career in Indian cricket. The 37-year-old announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket on Sunday, August 24, 2025, marking the end of an era for a batsman who embodied the classic virtues of Test cricket in a rapidly changing landscape.

Pujara's Test journey, which began in 2010, saw him represent India in 103 matches, amassing 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60. His record includes 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries, with a highest score of 206* against England in Ahmedabad in 2012. Beyond the numbers, Pujara's career was defined by his unwavering focus, his ability to wear down opposition bowlers, and his crucial contributions to India's success, particularly in overseas Test series.

Comparisons to Rahul Dravid, the man Pujara effectively replaced in the Indian Test lineup, were inevitable and frequent. Both batsmen possessed a similar unwavering focus, calm demeanor at the crease and a rock-solid defense. Like Dravid, Pujara was known for his willingness to occupy the crease for extended periods, frustrating bowlers and providing a solid platform for his team.

While Dravid statistically outshone Pujara in some aspects, particularly in average and runs scored after 103 Tests, Pujara carved his own niche with his remarkable performances in Australia. His contributions to India's Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumphs in 2018-19 and 2020-21 were particularly significant. In the 2018-19 series, he top-scored with 521 runs at an average of 74.42, including three centuries. His marathon innings in Sydney and his resilience at the Gabba in Brisbane during the 2020-21 series, where he absorbed numerous body blows, are etched in cricketing folklore.

Pujara's batting was not always about flamboyance or aggression; it was about wearing down the opposition, blunting their attacks, and seizing opportunities when they arose. He was a master of the "slow burn," patiently building his innings and ultimately demoralizing bowlers with his sheer tenacity. This approach was particularly effective in Test cricket, where his ability to bat for long periods and tire out the opposition often proved to be a game-changer. He holds the record for being the only Indian batter to face more than 500 balls in a single Test innings, facing 525 deliveries during his 202 against Australia in Ranchi in 2017.

While Pujara's career experienced its share of ups and downs, his contributions to Indian cricket, especially in the Test arena, remain invaluable. He was a vital cog in the Indian batting lineup for over a decade, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt. As he steps away from the game, Pujara leaves behind a legacy of unwavering commitment, exceptional grit, and unforgettable innings that have inspired a generation of cricketers and fans alike. His retirement marks the end of an era, but his contributions to Indian cricket will be remembered for years to come.