India's Test Stalwart Cheteshwar Pujara Retires
Cheteshwar Pujara, one of the most resilient and respected Test cricketers of his generation, has announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket. The 36-year-old batsman, known for his unwavering concentration and classical technique, bows out as the country's eighth-highest run-scorer in the longest format of the game.
Career Defined by Fortitude
For much of his career, Pujara was India's dependable number three, tasked with anchoring the innings and absorbing immense pressure from the world's best bowling attacks. While often compared to his legendary predecessor, Rahul Dravid, he carved his own unique legacy through sheer perseverance. His game was built not on flamboyant strokes, but on a quiet determination to wear down the opposition, making him one of the last true "stonewallers" in modern cricket.
Architect of a Historic Victory
Pujara's defining contribution came during India's historic first-ever Test series victory in Australia in 2018-19. He was the cornerstone of that triumph, scoring 521 runs and facing a monumental 1,258 deliveries. His three centuries in that series frustrated the formidable Australian attack and provided the foundation for a win that will be remembered for generations.
In a heartfelt social media post, Pujara wrote, "all good things must come to an end, and with immense gratitude I have decided to retire from all forms of Indian cricket." Having been overlooked by selectors recently as they look to the future, his retirement marks the end of an era for a style of Test batting that valued patience and discipline above all else.
