Veteran Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara on Sunday announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket, bringing to a close a career revered for its determination and excellence in Test cricket.
As a young boy from this small town of Rajkot, with my parents, I went to strive for the stars; and wished to be a member of the Indian cricket team. Little did I realize at that time that this sport would provide me with so much - priceless opportunities, experiences, purpose, love, and most importantly a chance to represent my state and this great nation.".
Picking up the Indian jersey, singing the national anthem, and giving my best whenever I went out to play - it is impossible to express what it actually meant. But as goes the saying, all things that are good must come to an end, and with great thankfulness I have chosen to retire from all kinds of Indian cricket," Pujara said in a touching social media statement.
Pujara finishes his career as India's eighth-top run-getter in Tests with 7,195 runs in 103 matches at an average of 43.60, with 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries. While it was an age of dominant aggressive stroke play artists, Pujara found a niche for himself through patience and determination, tiring out bowlers before taking advantage to score vital runs for the team.
"I would like to thank the BCCI, and Saurashtra Cricket Association for the opportunity and support over the course of my cricketing career. Am also thankful to all the teams, franchises and counties that I have been able to represent over the years. Would not have reached here without the guidance of my mentors, coaches and spiritual guru to them I shall always be grateful," he said.
Pujara had a memorable Test debut against Australia at Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium in October 2010, coming in at number three in place of Rahul Dravid and scoring a crucial 72 in a tense chase that enabled India to emerge victorious. He also played five ODIs for India.
One of the highlights of his Test career was India's historic first series triumph in Australia in 2018/19, where he batted 1,258 balls to make 521 runs and collected the Man of the Series award. He played an integral part in India's success in the 2020/21 Australian series and at home in 2023 as well.
A huge thank you to all my team mates, support staff, net bowlers, analysts, logistics team, umpires, ground staff, scorers, media and all those who tirelessly work behind the scenes to make it possible for us to compete and play this game we love.".
To my management, partners and sponsors - I sincerely want to thank you for your loyalty and trust in me over the years, and for taking care of my off-field activities. The sport has brought me to destinations all over the world - and the passion and energy of the fans everywhere has ever been a given. I have been moved by the wishes and inspiration wherever I played and will remain eternally thankful," he went on.
Even though Pujara was not in the Indian squad after the 2023 World Test Championship Final defeat to Australia at The Oval, his transition into cricket commentary, covering as well the 2-2 drawn series in England, means fans will still get to hear his perceptive analysis of Test cricket.
"And of course, none of all this would have been possible or worthwhile without the countless sacrifices and unwavering support of my family - my parents, my wife Puja, my daughter Aditi; my in-laws and the rest of my wider family - who have made this journey worthwhile. I am looking forward to the next stage of my life, spending more time with and putting them first. Thank you for all the love and support!" Pujara added.
