When Was The Last Time Cheteshwar Pujara Played A Test Match For India

Aakash Saini

Cheteshwar Pujara [Source: @ICC/x]Cheteshwar Pujara [Source: @ICC/x]

Cheteshwar Pujara, a veteran of over 100 Tests, once epitomized the art of patient accumulation in the longest format, but his prolonged absence from India’s Test setup reflects the shifting priorities of a team embracing a more dynamic approach.

Aged 36, and nearing 37, the legendary top-order batter was one of the architects of India’s twin Test series wins in Australia in 2019 and 2021. However, an unwanted slump in form on overseas pitches coupled with the emergence of rising stars like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal ensured his exclusion from the Indian squad became inevitable.

Celebrating the storied career of India’s unsung hero, here we take a look back at the time when Pujara last played a Test match for Team India.

A look at Cheteshwar Pujara’s previous Test appearance

Cheteshwar Pujara played the last of his 103 Tests for India at The Oval in June 2023 against Australia for the WTC 2023 title. While the legendary batting barnacle was one of the few Indian players who rehearsed for the big game with County Championship matches, he failed to carry his momentum to the field as he managed to notch up scores of just 14 and 27 across both innings of India’s 209-run drubbing.

Back in May 2024, Pujara once again took to County Championship for Sussex in a bid to fast track his return to the Indian team. Quite recently, the legendary Indian batter took field for Saurashtra in four Ranji Trophy 2024-25 matches before the competition came to a halt in favor of BCCI’s white-ball tournaments.

Gautam Gambhir wants Pujara back in team: Reports

According to reports, Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir wanted Cheteshwar Pujara back in the team prior to taking flight to Australia for the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in late 2024. However, the report further indicated that Gambhir’s request was turned down by the Indian selectors.

The Indian batters, barring young Yashasvi Jaiswal, have failed to take the attack to the Australian bowlers so far in the series as the visitors will head into the SCG decider with a 1-2 deficit. Cheteshwar Pujara, on the other hand, wore out the Australians during each of India’s last two Test trips ‘Down Under’, both in series-winning causes no less.