Summary
Cheteshwar Pujara retires: Top Test knocks by former India great — the headline every cricket fan knew would come one day, but it still feels emotional to accept. On Sunday, Pujara officially announced his retirement from professional cricket, bringing down the curtain on a glittering 20-year career that spanned resilience, grit, and pure class in the longest format of the game. Known as India’s modern-day “Wall,” he carried forward the legacy of Rahul Dravid, making the No.3 spot his own and becoming the backbone of the Test side for over a decade.
Across 103 Test matches, Pujara scored 7,195 runs with 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries, proving himself as one of India’s greatest red-ball specialists. More than the numbers, however, it was his ability to weather storms, grind out bowling attacks, and stand tall in overseas conditions that made him a true giant of Test cricket. Let us revisit Pujara’s top Test knocks that not only defined his career but also shaped some of India’s most iconic victories.
Cheteshwar Pujara Retires: 206 vs England, Ahmedabad (2012)
Just months after Rahul Dravid’s retirement, Pujara stamped his authority with a magnificent 206 not out against England. The knock came in Ahmedabad during the first Test of the 2012 series, and it immediately signaled that India had found its new No.3. Patient, classy, and composed, Pujara batted for over nine hours, wearing down the English bowlers. India won the match convincingly, and a new era had begun.
Cheteshwar Pujara Retires: 204 vs Australia, Hyderabad (2013)
If one innings showcased Pujara’s appetite for big runs, it was his double century against Australia in Hyderabad. Scoring 204 in just his 11th Test, Pujara not only tamed the Australian bowlers but also displayed his versatility by mixing solid defense with fluent stroke play. This innings ensured India’s dominance in the series and solidified his reputation as a reliable run-getter at home.
Cheteshwar Pujara Retires: 153 vs South Africa, Johannesburg (2013)
Batting in South Africa has tested many greats, but Pujara’s 153 in Johannesburg was special. Against a fearsome pace attack of Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, and Vernon Philander, Pujara absorbed pressure and counterattacked when needed. His partnership with Virat Kohli ensured India posted a strong total in conditions that heavily favored the hosts. Though the match ended in a draw, Pujara’s knock was hailed as one of the finest by an Indian on South African soil.
Cheteshwar Pujara Retires: 145 vs Sri Lanka, Colombo (2015)
Coming back from a dip in form, Pujara answered critics with a match-winning 145 not out in Colombo. Opening the innings in tough conditions, he carried his bat through and guided India to victory. This innings was a masterclass in concentration, technique, and mental strength, proving that Pujara could anchor the team even under immense pressure.
Cheteshwar Pujara Retires: 106 vs Australia, Melbourne (2018)
The 2018 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia is remembered for many reasons, but Pujara’s batting was its cornerstone. His 106 in Melbourne set up India’s historic series win Down Under. Patient and relentless, he blunted the Australian pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood, ensuring India took a decisive lead in the series.
Cheteshwar Pujara Retires: 56 vs Australia, Brisbane (2021)
Not every great knock is a century. Pujara’s 56 at the Gabba was as valuable as a hundred. Bruised and battered by Australia’s bouncers, he stood like a warrior, taking body blows but refusing to give in. His resistance wore down the bowlers and allowed Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant to script one of India’s greatest Test victories — ending Australia’s 32-year unbeaten streak at the Gabba.
Cheteshwar Pujara Retires: A Legacy Etched in Grit and Glory
Cheteshwar Pujara’s retirement marks the end of an era for Indian Test cricket. His legacy is not just about numbers but about character, resilience, and selflessness. Whether grinding out overs in Adelaide, battling bouncers in Brisbane, or piling on runs in Ahmedabad, Pujara epitomized what Test cricket is all about — patience, technique, and the will to fight for the team.
As fans, we will remember him not only for his centuries but for the countless hours he spent at the crease, ensuring India stood tall against the best in the world. With Pujara calling time, Indian cricket bids farewell to one of its most courageous and dependable Test warriors.
Note: All information and images used in this content are sourced from Google. They are used here for informational and illustrative purposes only.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Legendary Cheteshwar Pujara’s Retirement and Test Career
1. Why did Cheteshwar Pujara retire from cricket?
Cheteshwar Pujara retired in August 2025 after an illustrious 20-year cricketing journey. Having played 103 Tests and scoring over 7,000 runs, he felt it was the right time to step aside and allow the next generation of cricketers to take Indian Test cricket forward.
2. How many Test matches did Cheteshwar Pujara play for India?
Pujara played 103 Test matches for India between 2010 and 2023, becoming one of the country’s most reliable red-ball batsmen.
3. What are Cheteshwar Pujara’s career Test statistics?
In his Test career, Pujara scored 7,195 runs, including 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries, with a highest score of 206 not out against England in 2012.
4. What made Pujara special in Test cricket?
Pujara was known for his solid technique, patience, and resilience. He carried forward Rahul Dravid’s legacy at No.3, often holding the innings together and grinding out bowling attacks. His ability to bat for long hours made him the backbone of India’s Test success.
5. Which are Cheteshwar Pujara’s best Test knocks?
Some of Pujara’s greatest Test innings include:
- 206 vs England, Ahmedabad (2012)*
- 204 vs Australia, Hyderabad (2013)
- 153 vs South Africa, Johannesburg (2013)
- 145 vs Sri Lanka, Colombo (2015)*
- 106 vs Australia, Melbourne (2018)
- 56 vs Australia, Brisbane (2021)
6. Why is Pujara’s 56 in Brisbane 2021 remembered as legendary?
Though it was not a century, Pujara’s gritty 56 at the Gabba in 2021 was crucial in India’s famous victory. He absorbed body blows, tired out Australia’s fast bowlers, and gave youngsters like Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant the platform to chase down history.
7. How did Pujara contribute to India’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy wins?
Pujara was a key factor in India’s historic 2018 and 2021 Test series wins in Australia. His centuries and marathon stays at the crease frustrated Australian bowlers, ensuring India achieved back-to-back overseas triumphs.
8. Who replaced Rahul Dravid as India’s No.3 batsman in Tests?
After Rahul Dravid’s retirement in 2012, Cheteshwar Pujara successfully stepped into the crucial No.3 position and made it his own for over a decade, becoming the backbone of the Indian batting lineup.
9. What is Cheteshwar Pujara’s legacy in Indian cricket?
Pujara will always be remembered as India’s modern-day Wall — a player who valued team success over personal milestones. His grit, discipline, and match-saving knocks cement his place as one of India’s greatest Test specialists.
10. What’s next for Cheteshwar Pujara after retirement?
While Pujara has not announced his next role yet, many expect him to be involved in mentorship, coaching, or commentary, sharing his wealth of experience with the next generation of cricketers.