Cheteshwar Pujara, a celebrated figure in Indian Test cricket, has announced his retirement from all formats of the game. The 37-year-old, known for his resilience, unwavering focus, and classical technique, made the announcement on Sunday, bringing an end to a remarkable career that spanned over a decade.

Sachin Tendulkar, among other prominent cricket figures, lauded Pujara's contribution to Indian cricket. Tendulkar acknowledged Pujara's calming presence at No. 3, praising his courage and deep love for Test cricket. He highlighted Pujara's solid technique, patience, and composure under pressure, recognizing him as a pillar of the team. Tendulkar specifically mentioned the 2018 series win in Australia, emphasizing that it wouldn't have been possible without Pujara's incredible resilience and match-winning runs.

Sunil Gavaskar also paid a rich tribute to Pujara, calling him an "old-school cricketer" who always prioritized India. Gavaskar lauded Pujara's grit and selflessness, noting that he consistently took blows for Indian cricket without ever stepping back. He expressed hope that Indian cricket would leverage Pujara's experience and expertise to inspire young cricketers, instilling in them the importance of putting the nation above everything else. Gavaskar urged everyone to salute Pujara, acknowledging the pride he brought to India through his achievements on the cricket field.

Pujara represented India in 103 Test matches, amassing 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries. He was the eighth-highest run-scorer for India in Test cricket. His last Test appearance was in 2023 against Australia at the Kennington Oval. Despite being overlooked since then, Pujara continued to perform well in domestic cricket, demonstrating his enduring love and commitment to the game.

Pujara's announcement was made via a heartfelt post on social media, where he expressed immense gratitude to his teammates, coaches, and supporters. He reflected on the pride and emotion of representing his country, stating that wearing the Indian jersey, singing the anthem, and giving his best effort each time he stepped onto the field was an indescribable honor. He retires from international cricket as the second-highest run-scorer at number three for India, only behind Rahul Dravid.

Many other cricketers and personalities have paid tribute to Pujara, including Anil Kumble, Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant and Yuvraj Singh. Kumble called him a great ambassador of the game. Rahane cherished the special Test wins they had together. Pant fondly recalled the memories of batting alongside Pujara.

Pujara's contribution to Indian cricket, particularly in the Test format, will be remembered for years to come. His patience, dependability, and technically brilliant approach to batting have left an indelible mark on the game, inspiring young cricketers to value perseverance, focus, and quiet skill.