![Cheteshwar Pujara [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1756030593510_Cheteshwar_Pujara (1).jpg)
Cheteshwar Pujara [Source: AFP]
At precisely 11:11 AM on August 24, 2025, Cheteshwar Pujara, India’s modern-day “Wall” , announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. For many fans, that time was more than just a coincidence. 11:11 is often considered a symbol of luck, destiny, or a “cosmic wink.”
For those who love Test cricket, it felt like the universe acknowledging the end of something rare and precious.
Pujara’s announcement was simple, heartfelt, and humble, much like his batting.
“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!” Pujara tweeted.
With that, Indian cricket bid farewell to a man who stood tall amidst storms, literally and figuratively.
The Reluctant Superstar
In an age where batsmen chase headlines with towering sixes and 200-strike rates, Pujara did something unfashionable, he batted long, slow, and steady. To some, he was “too orthodox,” even boring. To purists, he was everything that made Test cricket beautiful.
He wasn’t a showman like Virat Kohli or a dasher like Rishabh Pant. He didn’t give you fireworks; he gave you stone walls. And sometimes, that’s exactly what India needed.
The Man Who Took the Blows
If one moment could define Cheteshwar Pujara, it would be the 2021 Gabba Test against Australia.
On a fiery Brisbane pitch, with India chasing history, Pujara was hit on the body again and again, 10, 15, maybe more times. He didn’t flinch. He didn’t throw his wicket away. He just absorbed the pain, session after session, until Australia’s bowlers had nothing left.
India went on to win that Test, one of their greatest ever victories, but only because Pujara had stood in the middle like a warrior, letting others play freely around him.
Pujara’s retirement isn’t just about one man leaving the game; it’s about a style of batting fading away. Cricket has evolved. The “Bazball” era celebrates aggression and instant impact. Patience is out; power is in. But Pujara never bent to the trend. He stayed true to himself till the very end.
And maybe that’s why this farewell stings. We’re not just losing a player; we’re losing the last torchbearer of an art form.
Legacy of The Wall 2.0
With Rahul Dravid long retired, Pujara became India’s new “Wall.” He wasn’t Dravid’s copy, he was his own man. But like Dravid, he put the team first, often sacrificing personal glory for collective success.
At 37, with new faces emerging in India’s lineup, this decision was inevitable. But it doesn’t make it easier. For those who grew up watching him grind down world-class attacks, his departure feels like saying goodbye to a part of Test cricket itself.
As the sun sets on Cheteshwar Pujara’s career, one thing is certain: he will be missed. Missed not just for the runs, but for the spirit he brought to the game.
In an age of instant gratification, he reminded us that sometimes, the most beautiful things take time...Happy Retirement Pujji!! ❤️
