Cheteshwar Pujara retires: A look at some of his best innings for India

Dubai: One of India's finest Test players, Cheteshwar Pujara hung his boots from all forms on Sunday. The 37-year-old played his last Test in June 2023 during the World Test Championship final against Australia.

In his heartfelt message, Pujara said: “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.”

Pujara leaves a legacy scoring 7,195 runs from 103 Tests at an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries and 35 fifties. A look at some of his best Test knocks.

In the first Test of the 2018–19 series, India were reeling at 86 for 5. Pujara stepped up with a gritty 123, expertly marshalling the lower order against the hostile trio of Starc, Hazlewood, and Cummins. He farmed the strike, built vital partnerships, and helped India post a competitive 250 before being run out. That innings turned the tide, setting up India’s first Test victory in Australia in over a decade and laying the foundation for a historic series win.

On a deteriorating Ranchi pitch, Pujara produced one of the longest innings ever by an Indian — 202 runs off 525 balls, spread over more than 11 hours. His marathon effort ground down the Australian attack, helping India secure a crucial draw and keeping the series alive. It was a masterclass in patience and perseverance, perfectly embodying Pujara’s stoic approach to Test batting.

Facing a world-class South African pace attack of Steyn, Morkel, Philander, and Kallis, Pujara crafted a superb 153 in the second innings. His 270-ball knock, laced with 21 boundaries, propelled India to a formidable target of 458. The match ended in a draw, but his innings stood out as one of the finest by an Indian batter in South Africa, showcasing his resilience against pace and bounce.

On a treacherous Johannesburg pitch, India were rocked early at 7 for 2. Pujara responded with an unbeaten 153, anchoring the innings across 265 deliveries and striking 23 boundaries. His calm under pressure guided India to 307 in the first innings — a total that proved decisive. It remains one of his most underrated but impactful knocks, setting up a rare Indian win in South Africa.

Pujara’s career-best 206 not out came in just his sixth Test, against England in Ahmedabad. Batting for more than eight-and-a-half hours, he neutralised the threat of Anderson and Broad with supreme composure. His 513-minute vigil, filled with 21 boundaries, helped India to 521/8 declared and paved the way for a dominant nine-wicket win. It was a definitive statement of his ability to play long, match-defining innings.

In Hyderabad, Pujara delivered a commanding 204 against Australia, featuring 30 fours and a six. His 370-run partnership with Murali Vijay took India to 503, effectively sealing the match. Australia folded twice, and India secured a crushing innings victory. This double ton highlighted Pujara’s ability to shift gears.

After a spell out of the team, Pujara made a powerful return in Colombo, opening the innings in place of the injured Vijay. On a tough surface, he carried his bat for an unbeaten 145, rescuing India from 180 for 7 and pushing the total to 312. Though he fell for a duck in the second innings, his first-innings effort was pivotal in a 117-run win that sealed the series. It was a comeback defined by grit and determination.