Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has voiced disappointment over the way Cheteshwar Pujara’s Test career ended, stressing that the stalwart deserved a more dignified
Cheteshwar Pujara
Cheteshwar Pujara Announces Retirement from All Forms of Cricket
India’s dependable No. 3 batter, Cheteshwar Pujara, has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. The 36-year-old, who last played for India in
Cheteshwar Pujara is a name synonymous with grit, patience, and classic Test match batting. Revered as the modern-day “Wall” of Indian cricket, Pujara has anchored India’s middle order for over a decade. His temperament, technique, and ability to weather the storm in challenging conditions have made him a cornerstone of India’s red-ball dominance, especially in overseas tours.
Quick Facts about Cheteshwar Pujara
- Full Name: Cheteshwar Arvind Pujara
- Date of Birth: January 25, 1988
- Birthplace: Rajkot, Gujarat, India
- Batting Style: Right-handed
- Role: Top-order Batter (Test Specialist)
- Teams: India, Saurashtra, Sussex, Chennai Super Kings (Past), various County teams
- International Debut: 2010 (Test), 2013 (ODI)
Early Life & Domestic Journey
Born into a cricket-loving family, Cheteshwar Pujara was trained by his father Arvind Pujara, a former first-class cricketer. He started his career with Saurashtra in the domestic circuit and quickly gained recognition for his insatiable hunger for runs.
Pujara made headlines by scoring a triple century in the U-14 BCCI tournament and a mammoth 302* in a U-19 Test against England. These performances made his transition into the senior circuit seamless, leading to his India debut in 2010.
International Career
Pujara cemented his place in India’s Test squad with his dependable technique and old-school patience. He was pivotal in India’s historic Test series victories in Australia (2018–19 and 2020–21), where he wore down some of the world’s best bowling attacks. Known for facing an immense number of deliveries, he brings stability to India’s lineup, especially in overseas conditions.
While his ODI stint was short-lived, his Test legacy remains unquestioned.
Cheteshwar Pujara – Test Career Stats (as of 2025)
| Matches | Runs | Average | 100s | 50s | Best Score |
| 103 | 7,195+ | 43.60 | 19 | 35 | 206* |
IPL Career
Cheteshwar Pujara has had a limited presence in the Indian Premier League (IPL), with brief stints at Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Chennai Super Kings. His classical technique, while ideal for Tests, hasn’t translated into the fast-paced T20 format.
Despite not being a regular IPL player, his presence in the dressing room is seen as invaluable for younger talents.
IPL Stats
| Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate |
| 30 | 390 | 20.5 | ~100 |
Playing Style & Strengths
- Textbook technique for red-ball cricket
- Patience and mental toughness under pressure
- Strong on back-foot and through off-side
- Excellent against spin and pace alike
Pujara is known for his ability to occupy the crease for long periods and absorb pressure — traits that are rare in today’s aggressive game.
Major Achievements & Records
- Double hundreds in Tests against England, Australia, Sri Lanka
- Key contributor in India’s Test series wins in Australia (2018–19, 2020–21)
- Fastest to 1,000 Test runs for India (in terms of innings)
- Over 14,000 First-Class runs with a stellar average
- Arjuna Award recipient for cricket (2017)
His resilience and consistency make him one of the most respected Test players globally.
Latest News & Updates on Cheteshwar Pujara
Stay updated with TheCricketScores.com for the latest on Cheteshwar Pujara’s domestic performances, County cricket scores, India Test squad news, and interviews. From his marathon knocks in England to his recent Ranji Trophy form — get it all here.