Cheteshwar Pujara Retires from Cricket: The End of India’s “Wall”

On 24 August 2025, Indian cricket and fans worldwide bid farewell to one of the game’s most resilient warriors. Cheteshwar Pujara – the backbone of India’s Test batting lineup for over a decade, often hailed as “The Wall 2.0” after Rahul Dravid – officially announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.

A Decade of Service to Indian Cricket

Debuting in 2010, Pujara quickly made his mark with his grit, patience, and rock-solid technique. Throughout his illustrious career:

• He played 103 Test matches, scoring over 7,195 runs, including 19 centuries.
• He was instrumental in India’s historic Test series wins in Australia (2018–19 and 2020–21), where his ability to absorb pressure and anchor the innings was pivotal.
• Pujara became synonymous with determination, often holding the crease for hours against the fiercest bowling attacks.

A Quiet Farewell – Without a Goodbye Match

In a bittersweet twist, Pujara joins the list of Indian greats who retired without a formal farewell match. His departure may have been silent, but his career speaks volumes.

Cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar praised him as “a true role model of perseverance and selflessness, who always put the nation before himself.”

An Enduring Legacy

• Inspiration for young cricketers: In an age dominated by T20 fireworks, Pujara reminded the world that patience, discipline, and defensive mastery still hold immense value.
• Guardian of Test cricket: He embodied the essence of the game’s longest format, where resilience and mental toughness matter as much as runs and boundaries.
• Unsung hero: Time and again, Pujara’s ability to grind out tough spells laid the foundation for India’s triumphs, even if his name wasn’t always in the spotlight.

Conclusion

Cheteshwar Pujara’s retirement leaves a void in India’s Test lineup, but his legacy will continue to inspire. He leaves behind more than just statistics—he leaves a story of patience, humility, and unwavering love for the game.

Fans will forever remember the image of Pujara standing tall amid the storm, and his journey will remain a guiding light for future generations of Indian cricketer