Cheteshwar Pujara, last of India's Test purists, retires from all forms of cricket

Cheteshwar Pujara, one of India's most dependable Test cricketers of the modern era, announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket on Sunday, bringing to a close a career marked by quiet resilience and understated brilliance. Pujara retired as India's eighth-highest run-scorer in Test cricket, having accumulated 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries across 103 matches. While a lean patch in the latter stages of his career may have affected his average, his overall contribution remains substantial.

The Rajkot-born batter, known for his unflinching concentration and classical technique, spent the bulk of his career at No.3 in the batting order-tasked with anchoring innings and often absorbing immense pressure. Though comparisons with Rahul Dravid, his predecessor in the role, were inevitable, Pujara carved out his own space through sheer perseverance and a string of match-defining performances, particularly in overseas conditions.

He famously honed his craft under the guidance of his father, Arvind, often facing up to a thousand deliveries a day beneath a neem tree at the 3 Kothi Ground. That discipline would go on to define his playing style and career. Pujara's final appearance for India came in 2023 against Australia at The Oval. Since then, he has been overlooked by selectors as the BCCI has sought to invest in younger options for the future. In recent times, he has been seen in a punditry role during India's international fixtures.