Cheteshwar Pujara, one of India’s most dependable Test batters of the modern era, announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Sunday, bringing the curtain down on a career built on grit, patience, and selfless service to the team.

Pujara, who last represented India in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval, had been out of the selectors’ plans for nearly two years. Despite murmurs of a potential recall for the 2025 Australia tour, the selectors preferred to back younger, less experienced batters. After India’s disastrous showing in that series—and with stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin also stepping away from the longest format—the path for Pujara’s return effectively closed.

In his retirement note on Instagram, Pujara reflected on the privilege of representing the nation. “Wearing the Indian jersey, singing the anthem, and trying my best each time I stepped on the field—it’s impossible to put into words what it truly meant. But as they say, all good things must come to an end, and with immense gratitude, I have decided to retire from all forms of Indian cricket. Thank you for all the love and support,” he wrote.

Known as the backbone of India’s Test batting, Pujara amassed more than 7,000 runs in 100-plus matches at an average touching 44, anchoring countless victories at home and abroad. His defining knocks include a marathon effort in Sydney in 2021 that helped India script a historic series win in Australia.

In recent months, Pujara had been seen more in commentary boxes, taking up expert roles during India’s international assignments. While his absence from the field will be deeply felt, his legacy as one of India’s great Test match warriors will remain etched in the game’s history.

Cheteshwar Pujara, one of India’s most dependable Test batters of the modern era, announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Sunday, bringing the curtain down on a career built on grit, patience, and selfless service to the team.

Pujara, who last represented India in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval, had been out of the selectors’ plans for nearly two years. Despite murmurs of a potential recall for the 2025 Australia tour, the selectors preferred to back younger, less experienced batters. After India’s disastrous showing in that series—and with stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin also stepping away from the longest format—the path for Pujara’s return effectively closed.

In his retirement note on Instagram, Pujara reflected on the privilege of representing the nation. “Wearing the Indian jersey, singing the anthem, and trying my best each time I stepped on the field—it’s impossible to put into words what it truly meant. But as they say, all good things must come to an end, and with immense gratitude, I have decided to retire from all forms of Indian cricket. Thank you for all the love and support,” he wrote.

Known as the backbone of India’s Test batting, Pujara amassed more than 7,000 runs in 100-plus matches at an average touching 44, anchoring countless victories at home and abroad. His defining knocks include a marathon effort in Sydney in 2021 that helped India script a historic series win in Australia.

In recent months, Pujara had been seen more in commentary boxes, taking up expert roles during India’s international assignments. While his absence from the field will be deeply felt, his legacy as one of India’s great Test match warriors will remain etched in the game’s history.