Cheteshwar Pujara's recent retirement from all forms of Indian cricket has sparked a range of reactions, with former India player Robin Uthappa suggesting that the veteran batsman might have overstayed his welcome in the team. Pujara, who announced his retirement on August 24, 2025, ended a career that spanned over a decade, during which he became a Test specialist known for his disciplined and patient batting style.

Uthappa's comments, made on YouTube, alluded to the idea that Pujara should have retired earlier, especially after being dropped from the Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad in 2024. He felt that selectors had likely communicated to Pujara that he wouldn't be considered for future plans, and his exclusion from the England Tests and the Duleep Trophy served as the "final straw". Uthappa stated, "I think he overextended his stay a little bit...I reckoned when he didn't get picked in that Australia tour, he could have called it time. But obviously, it is very hard".

Despite his views on the timing of Pujara's retirement, Uthappa lauded Pujara's unwavering dedication to the game. He fondly recalled a Ranji Trophy match between Karnataka and Saurashtra in 2009-10 when Pujara's commitment to batting was evident. According to Uthappa, Pujara's legacy and contribution to Indian Test cricket remain undeniable.

Pujara's career statistics speak volumes about his contributions. He played 103 Test matches, amassing 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries. He was the eighth-highest run-getter for India in Tests. His highest second innings score of 153 remains the highest by any Indian batsman in South Africa. He is also the Indian batsman to have faced the most balls in a Test innings, with 525. Beyond his international achievements, Pujara also dominated the domestic circuit, scoring 21,301 runs in first-class cricket. He also scored his 50th century in first-class cricket in January 2020.

Pujara's retirement marks the end of an era, with tributes pouring in from all corners. Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged Pujara's role in upholding the values of Test cricket and praised his temperament and focus. Modi highlighted Pujara's pivotal role in India's overseas Test triumphs, particularly the historic 2018-19 series win in Australia, where he was named Player of the Series. Virat Kohli also acknowledged Pujara's contribution to his success, stating that Pujara's presence at number 3 made his job easier at number 4.

Following his retirement announcement, Pujara joined the BBC Test Match Special commentary team as a color commentator/analyst for the series between England and India at Headingley in June 2025.