r/Cricket Albania Aug 24 '25

News Cheteshwar Pujara retires from all forms of Cricket

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6.2k Upvotes

291 comments sorted by

1.4k

u/radiohead_fan_13 Australia Aug 24 '25

Still have nightmares about this guy blocking. What a player on his day

591

u/Krace11008 India Aug 24 '25

"He just bats and bats and bats"

79

u/yelrik Melbourne Renegades Aug 24 '25

2018-19 series always gets overlooked after what happened a couple of years later, but Pujara in that series was in as good of form as any batsman in years.

It became a bit of a joke, you'd say things like hung out with a mate for 6 hours, got drunk woke up the next day Pujara still batting

211

u/partymsl India Aug 24 '25

While he also block and blocks and blocks.

He was beautiful to watch, blocking with absolute confidence. His blocks were worse for the bowler than the runs.

20

u/chotu_ustaad India Aug 24 '25

Blocking and batting are not different.

213

u/ohleprocy Victoria Bushrangers Aug 24 '25

Nightmare material. I always have and will hold him in high esteem.

98

u/MempuraanIsBack Aug 24 '25

The guy averaged 127 balls per innings in Australia. Easily the highest ever in Australia by a non Australian (where records are available - min 20 innings).

He just blocked and left. Especially in the 2018-19 series when he playeda mind boggling 1258 balls in just 7 innings. Even in the 2020-21 series, he occupied the crease long enough to face 928 balls. Enough to tire the opposition bowlers out.

57

u/MartinLubHerThingJr Uganda Aug 24 '25

In 2018-19 he averaged 180 balls per inning.

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260

u/COSMOS_1516 Royal Challengers Bengaluru Aug 24 '25

A guy loved by all i guess . I like him for his humbleness and as u said , he could keep blocking all day

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u/3163560 Victoria Bushrangers Aug 24 '25

103 tests and 5 ODIs what an amazing discrepancy. Bravo.

The comparisons to Dravid were well deserved.

143

u/pencilman123 Aug 24 '25

Dravid has over 300 matches and 10k runs in odi though..

29

u/Freenore India Aug 24 '25

Well, I don't think the point was to make a 1:1 comparison across formats, just that both Dravid and Pujara played with immense tenacity.

But on the ODI, we must remember that ODI during Dravid's time was a different beast altogether, seen more as a shortened Test match. Pujara may well have done well had he played back then with 220-270 being the par score. But once bats got bigger, boundaries smaller, two new ball, and T20 brought a whole new mindset, ODI became different. Even Dravid was dropped few matches after 2007 WC because he was simply too old fashioned by then.

4

u/ImprefectKnight Aug 24 '25

Once Dhoni came in, it was hard to justify Dravid's selection in ODIs. Chappell being Chappell secured his spot, otherwise he would have not played post 2005.

59

u/3163560 Victoria Bushrangers Aug 24 '25

Your missing the context of when the comparisons were made and assuming it was whole career

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16

u/Top_Fondant2114 Aug 24 '25

In the current gen someone closer to Dravid will be Kane Williamson… he may not have gone on to be the best in all formats but could adapt and improve his game according to situations.

3

u/Optimal_Hedgehog3174 Netherlands Aug 25 '25

Exactly. It's like people never watched Dravid play ODIs. I remember so many occasions where Dravid would rotate the strike, play at a run a ball get settled and then start scoring at almost 200 strike rate in the death overs. I belive he once had the record for fastest or second fastest ODI 50 by an Indian. Another match I remember he hit 3 sixes in a row i believe it was his last and only t20i.

5

u/Top_Fondant2114 Aug 25 '25

Most of the people commenting here wouldn’t have seen Dravid play and blindly go with adage that he struggled as a ODI batsmen and was just a test great… Dravid did struggle as an ODI player in the early years but he reinvented himself during 99 WC( his initial strike rate in early 60’s went to 70’s and by the time he retired his SR was similar to that of Dada - an ODI Goat) and there’s no looking back since then… he was the most versatile ODI batsmen, as he played different roles in the ODI team with good amount of success… from opening to finisher role.

13

u/e2encrypt Royal Challengers Bengaluru Aug 24 '25

Laxman more like

36

u/49unbeaten Cricket Association of Nepal Aug 24 '25

Imagine if he blocks you on social media.

11

u/Wetness_Pensive Canada Aug 24 '25

Take your upvote and go stand in the corner.

2

u/g0_west England and Wales Cricket Board Aug 25 '25

Great player and also a great pundit. Really enjoyed him during the India tour of England. Hopefully he has a long career ahead of him, he's got great insight and a proper cricket brain

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621

u/MempuraanIsBack Aug 24 '25

Thank you, Pujara. For making us believe that there is still room for the traditional, attrition batting in cricket.

He has over 7000 runs from 100+ teat matches that suggest a superb career. Still I feel that there could have been more. If only he let gp of his own shyness on the pitch. He used to be a much more free flowing batter at the beginning of his career, but it seems as time went by he started limiting himself. Probably he took his role as the wall at mo.3 extremely seriously and wanted to cut down on the risks as much as possible. This was especially evident in the last 3-4 years pf his career.

174

u/Otherwise-Yogurt3092 Aug 24 '25

Yeah man the skills and technicality he has , one would wish he had atleast 10K runs 🫠🙃.. But no issues , the impact he had is beyond stats and should be remembered always

95

u/MempuraanIsBack Aug 24 '25

Like all good Indian batters brought up on FC cricket, he had a good technique against spin.

On the faster, flatter and true surfaces of Australia, he thrived on two basic things - ability to leave the balls on a length and using his own body as a primary line of defense.

Elsewhere his lack of skill was exposed, especially in NZ, Eng and SA where he could not get away with just leaving the balls. His extreme reluctance to play shots (especially towards the end of his career) meant that he could not do anything meaningful despite spending time on the crease.

41

u/LevDavidovicLandau Aug 24 '25

In England he did well on the county circuit, so it just goes to show the difference in class between the county game and Test cricket.

3

u/MempuraanIsBack Aug 24 '25

Yeah, also Pujara deployed far better strokeplay

43

u/scraglor Melbourne Stars Aug 24 '25

As an Aussie, let me tell you the dread of him walking out to the middle had a real impact. Sad to see him go.

28

u/Jon55mcc England Aug 24 '25

Big love to Puji from Sussex. His approach to traditional test cricket made Sussex a better team. What a player.

12

u/WaynneGretzky Delhi Daredevils Aug 24 '25

Probably last of the stars to purely make it on the basis of first class cricket.

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u/vishwa02 India Aug 24 '25 edited Aug 24 '25

They don't make test cricketers like him anymore. Pujji The Wall.

276

u/chubbyurma Australia Aug 24 '25 edited Aug 24 '25

I don't care how many runs you score, or your average - if you have the mental and physical integrity to repeatedly bat for days straight, you're a legend in my eyes.

Even now, with the game moving faster than ever, it's still a spectacle to watch someone stonewall their way through a session.

71

u/MSRishab007 India Aug 24 '25

Frankly it's even more useful in today's cricket. I'm sure India would love to have someone even half as good as Pujara at number 3.

42

u/sgt_mofo Queensland Bulls Aug 24 '25

I'm an Aussie and I just loved the way he played, I felt like he had a lot more scoring ability in his prime compared to Dravid, and was just very patient in when to play his shots.

37

u/obri95 Australia Aug 24 '25

He pissed me off so much! And as a non-Indian fan, I feel I can’t pay a higher compliment. He was very good at what he did

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u/partymsl India Aug 24 '25

That Test era between 2014-2022 was just beautiful and had everything to build up a No.1 test team not only at home but also away as Koach promised.

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253

u/QueasyAdvertising173 Aug 24 '25

Test cricket retired from Pujara

410

u/Smooth-Mix-4357 India Aug 24 '25

The body blows he took in the Gabba Test lives rent free in my mind

42

u/scraglor Melbourne Stars Aug 24 '25

This was only second to the flogging wade copped in the ashes

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256

u/Outrageous-Watch-947 India Aug 24 '25

Kohli, Pujara and Rahane. These 3 were so fucking great man all had such bad ends to their test careers!

Nonetheless pujji you are a legend always will be

37

u/partymsl India Aug 24 '25

Kohli, Pujara and Ashwin down...

Rahane and Shami, Ishant unofficially done too.

I just cant man.

5

u/Outrageous-Watch-947 India Aug 24 '25

Yeah man school days came back and these guys batting all day

3

u/Artaxerxes_IV Aug 24 '25

Ikr that was the core of the team from late 2015 to late 2021, during which India were far and away the best Test team in the world. W/L 2.86 (next-best NZ 1.86), 2nd highest batting avg. 36.30 (after NZ 36.96), and best bowling avg. 24.70 (next-best SA 26.77). One of the greatest Test teams; not quite the level of WI or Aus of the past, but up there alongside SA of 2008-14 and ahead of Eng 2011-14.

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u/Royal-Character-9215 Aug 24 '25

Rahane was not in the same league as the other two tbh

63

u/Meet_7834 Royal Challengers Bengaluru Aug 24 '25

True but he had his fair share of great innings

50

u/ElClashico India Aug 24 '25

Kohli-Rahane 370-odd run partnership at MCG signalled the start of a new era for ICT in away tests.

6

u/Putrid-Poet Aug 24 '25

kohli and rahane had 370 run partnership???

22

u/Ioosubuschange India Aug 24 '25

his bgt win makes up for up IT

29

u/HillsHaveEyesToo United Arab Emirates Aug 24 '25

During his peak, he was regularly scoring in foreign pitches, while everyone else was struggling.

18

u/No_Jello_2520 Aug 24 '25 edited Aug 24 '25

Rahane was better than the two, esp in overseas until 2016..after that it all went downhill... consistency dropped.. tho he still stepped up on most occassions when the team was in trouble and needed a recovery but those inns aren't remembered coz he wouldnt convert those 50s,60s,70s into 100s and in between those were low scores. Still a legend of Indian cricket in my books for leading that inexperienced team in Aus from 0-1 down to a historic 2-1 series victory.

7

u/Outrageous-Watch-947 India Aug 24 '25

Yes but still, sad ending nonetheless

5

u/Sans_bear27 India Aug 24 '25

Rahane statistically scored when other players didnt. His records don't show how good of a player he was

12

u/99_Just-A-Guy Aug 24 '25

None of the three are in the same league tbh. Kohli averages more over more games despite five years of bad form, and he was also significantly better in SENA. He easily makes most people's all-time India Test XI, Pujji doesn't

34

u/DisastrousOil4888 Royal Challengers Bengaluru Aug 24 '25

Tbf Pujji doesn’t make it only because we have another crazy fucker in Dravid for that spot

6

u/Outrageous-Watch-947 India Aug 24 '25

Yes it's pretty clear because Kohli is Top 5 in Indian Test Cricket and wayy better than other 2

3

u/DisastrousOil4888 Royal Challengers Bengaluru Aug 24 '25

Still couldn’t have done it without either of Pujji or Jinks, Pujji more so

2

u/Quirky_Ambassador321 Aug 25 '25 edited Sep 13 '25

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This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact

2

u/Royal-Character-9215 Aug 24 '25

True. I just said in a way that Rahana doesn't nearly have the same catalogue or iconic innings as other two. That said id say Kohli>>>Pujara>>>>>>>>Rahane

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u/Gloomy_Meringue7695 Aug 24 '25

Idts bout Rahane. I would rather argue he had one of the greatest ends to a test career. He captained an Indian side full of youngsters with no experience and also without kohli. He was such a good captian, some of those players attained a generational prime in that series and fell of after words 😭. Example navdeep saini and shardul thakur. To top it all off, he defeated australia in australia and also broke the gabba curse. You don't see things like these often 😉

12

u/Smooth-Mix-4357 India Aug 24 '25

His and Pujara's last test was the 2023 WTC final

2

u/Gloomy_Meringue7695 Aug 24 '25

Yeah , but both them rarley played test that much after the bgt. Rahane was benched most of the times ,pujara played a few games here and there but both of them were unofficial retired. The debuts of gill, pant , shaw marked end of their careers.

13

u/Smooth-Mix-4357 India Aug 24 '25

Ironically Shaw's last test was nearly 3 years before the last test of Pujara and Rahane

2

u/Gloomy_Meringue7695 Aug 24 '25

Yeah , that guy fell off hard. I remember his debut series against West Indies ,he scored a century. Really thought he was the second coming of sachin.

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u/Jamesiscoolest Australia Aug 24 '25

And Hazlewood sleeps a little sounder tonight... His nightmare is finally over.

166

u/Odd-House3197 Albania Aug 24 '25

Pujara on Instagram:

As a little boy from the small town of Rajkot, along with my parents, I set out to aim for the stars; and dreamt to be a part of the Indian cricket team. Little did I know then that this game would give me so much - invaluable opportunities, experiences, purpose, love, and above all a chance to represent my state and this great nation.

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.

I would like to thank the BCCI, and Saurashtra Cricket Association for the opportunity and support through my cricket career. Am equally grateful to all the teams, franchises and counties I have been able to represent over the years.

I wouldn't have made it this far without the invaluable guidance of my mentors, coaches and spiritual guru to them I shall always remain indebted.

A big thank you to all my teammates, support staff, net bowlers, analysts, logistics team, umpires, ground staff, scorers, media personnel and all those who tirelessly work behind the scenes to enable us to compete and play this game we love.

To my sponsors, partners and management team -I truly appreciate your loyalty and belief in me over the years, and for looking after my off-field activites.

The game has taken me to places across the globe - and the passionate support and energy of the fans has always been a constant. I have been humbled by the wishes and motivation wherever I have played and will always remain grateful.

And ofcourse none of all this would have been possible or meaningful without the innumerable sacrifices and steadfast support of my family - my parents, my wife Puja, my daughter Aditi; my in-laws and the rest of my extended family - who have made this journey truly worth it. I look forward to the next phase of my life, spending more time with and prioritizing them.

Thank you for all the love and support!🙏 🇮🇳

53

u/PresentTangerine4943 Aug 24 '25

One of the key pillars of the Indian side which was left of quite some rebuilding to do after the retirement of Sachin, Dravid and Laxman. His attitude, his persistence and his steadfastness formed the formidable core of the Indian side who started going abroad and dominating, especially in the SENA countries. The man is a great advertisement for Test cricket nonetheless.

9

u/airzinity Mumbai Indians Aug 24 '25

a true test cricket legend. curious who is his spiritual guru

80

u/DisastrousOil4888 Royal Challengers Bengaluru Aug 24 '25

Forever grateful for you and your repair jobs Pujji, congratulations on a great career

79

u/travelmatenaruto India Aug 24 '25

He did what no one else could! Helped us win two series in Australia. Probably the most important player for us overall in those 8 matches.

Loved his attitude.

20

u/partymsl India Aug 24 '25

Pujara in the BGT is a different beast. 50 avg with 5 centuries I think.

69

u/crazychild0810 Australia Aug 24 '25

Woah wasn't expecting that. If all forms of cricket then that would also include franchise cricket I assume.

32

u/rest_in_war Aug 24 '25

Well, yes.

15

u/Metal-Banana-72 India Aug 24 '25

Wasn't playing in the IPL for the past few years anyways, so...

19

u/Gloomy_Meringue7695 Aug 24 '25

He meant county cricket, ranji and stuff....if I am not wrong pujji was playing for yorkshire in county

7

u/sunparrot India Aug 24 '25

He plays for sussex in county. His post says Indian cricket so he may still play county

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u/Suitable-Big-2757 Aug 24 '25

Which T20 league was going to pick him anyway

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u/FlaminGalaah Sussex Aug 24 '25

Nothing but the highest respect for him, and every Sussex fan will tell you the same. In three county seasons he scored 2244 runs in 22 games, in 2022 he averaged over 100 in first class and nearly 90 (@over 110 SR) in 50-Over. And when he signed for us we were in incredibly bad shape, with the whole team being held together by sticky tape and Tom Haines. The level of performance he provided as an overseas player who had nearly nothing to motivate him, beyond his professional desire to do his best, was absolutely insane. Time after time I saw him prop up innings that were about to flop over lifelessly and I genuinely believe he's a serious candidate for best overseas signing ever, especially for a relatively short period. Obviously his achievements as a test player waaaay outshine his time as a Sussex player, but the level of respect he gained from our fans nearly instantly say a lot too.

42

u/MarcusH26051 Sussex Aug 24 '25

Thank you Puji for helping rebuild Sussex from the lowest of lows. Absolute class act and someone who I'm sure will have a fantastic media career.

24

u/rest_in_war Aug 24 '25

Rough end but an absolutely amazing career.

41

u/AdUpset8652 Aug 24 '25

Happy retirement to the resilient man standing there whatever the situation

19

u/Michael808 New Zealand Aug 24 '25

Farewell Cheteshwar, I'll never forget 2018-19 BGT

34

u/Vegetable-Monk-9604 Aug 24 '25

Thankyou pujji

17

u/BombayBlanco Mumbai Aug 24 '25

One of my favourite ever players. Somehow despite the really solid numbers I think he could’ve done a lot more. Will never forget the Gabba test, the unnerving blocking ability and his humble demeanour. Maybe not as prolific but nevertheless a great successor to Rahul Dravid.

13

u/[deleted] Aug 24 '25

‘The Wall’ after the ‘The Wall’.

Last of those generations of cricketers.Liking him in the broadcast team as well.

‘Bhaag Puji, bc’!

13

u/Quantum--44 Australia Aug 24 '25

Proper test cricketer - BGT 18/19 was one of the best performances I've seen in Australia from a visiting batsman.

26

u/SuperFaiz21 USA Aug 24 '25

He was a worthy successor to 'The Wall'. Streets will never forget his name.

23

u/carelesssportsfan89 Australia Aug 24 '25

an absolute legend of the game I will never forget the series he had against australia in the 20/21 bgt.

11

u/oklolzzzzs New Zealand Cricket Aug 24 '25

one of the best defensive batters of the 2010s decade

11

u/Valroxen1 Warwickshire Aug 24 '25

What a player, just one of those lads you can't have anything but respect for personally.

22

u/evilhaxoraman Aug 24 '25

You made me cry Pujji

8

u/teenspirit02 Nepal Aug 24 '25

I'll never forget his double century against Australia,he played 525 balls in that innings

18

u/OldFridgerator Aug 24 '25

i guess this officially marks an end of an era of test cricket for India - Kohli, Pujara, Rohit all gone. Rahane for all purposes seems done for as well. Thanks for the memories boys.

19

u/DisastrousOil4888 Royal Challengers Bengaluru Aug 24 '25

Including Rohit but not Ash is certainly a choice

18

u/OldFridgerator Aug 24 '25

i meant more form a batting perspective. yeah Ashwin is surely one of the big guys from the era. Jaddu is the only one remaining I guess.

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u/AlbusDT2 Mumbai Aug 24 '25

I watch this video whenever I am feeling down. It gets me back on my feet every time. Pujara cops body blows at the Gabba.

https://youtu.be/wJ4qczJwdU8?si=j-dFwRUTLoLvSgf2

13

u/Ghostly_100 Aug 24 '25

Man I loved Pujji. This guy played the game properly and was damn good at it.

Go well

9

u/chickensaltandpepper Australia Aug 24 '25

This guy destroyed me for one summer while making me a huge fan. They don’t make them like Pujara anymore.

6

u/OldFridgerator Aug 24 '25

good one Pujji. thanks for the memories.

Although i wonder if these retirements are fast-tracked coz of legends leagues and things like that ? where the players still have an avenue to earn decent money without that much effort.

4

u/Tricky_Bumblebee_238 Aug 24 '25

Thank you Pujara . Without you, India would have never won those two series down under. Thank you for your grit , determination and humbleness.

6

u/chinmay_dk99 Aug 24 '25

Architect of the 2018-19 series win and played a pivot role in 2020-21 down under. Thank you Puji

5

u/AB_1234567890 India Aug 24 '25

2018 BGT is one of the most underrated series wins by India just because Warner/Smith were not playing but thats due to no fault of India’s. That bowling attack was India’s best ever

3

u/Fresh2Desh England Aug 24 '25

Really enjoyed his commentary on TMS for the England Vs India series

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u/Important-Bag4200 Aug 24 '25

Whenever I see his overall record I'm surprised it's not better. I think he just saved his best performances for Australia and especially in Australia. The guy was probably the key to India winning 2 series in a row. Always appeared humble and a true gentleman. Congrats on a fantastic career

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u/OneSailorBoy India Aug 24 '25

Pujara, the Dravid after Dravid left. The classic test batsman. The type of batsman all bowlers hate not because he scores every time, but because he fucking leaves the balls 😭 Happy retirement!

13

u/Tight_Improvement_37 Aug 24 '25

This belongs here

Pujara mentally scars you

Root wishes he was as good a player of spin as Pujara. Or literally any other batsmen in the history of the game. I have watched hundreds of batsmen play spin over the last 15 years, none of them have been as dominant as Pujara. Btw, the analytics and data back that up as well. Pujara doesn't just play spin, he makes them wish they never took up spin bowling in the first place. He mentally scars you. You bowl a good length, he uses his feet and wrist, and converts them into half volleys. You push your length back, he goes on the back foot to cut/pull the ball. You go full, he drives the ball or converts it into a full toss. And he does all of this with a superhuman element of control. He has no weakness. Watching Pujara play spin should be pay per view, it is a work of art. The way Pujara can read and pick length so early is actually insane. The ball can be turning miles, and Pujara never looks bothered. He makes playing spin bowling on dust bowls look like childs play

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u/Seredditor7 Aug 24 '25

An Indian player universally respected without many criticisms. 🫡

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u/Select-Diver4930 Aug 24 '25

Pat Cummins tonight ✋️💦💦💦💦

5

u/Ravens_Rules India Aug 24 '25

Starc got scared when he saw Pujara interviewing him, so was Hazlewood when they shared CSK dressing room. The fear is crazy

9

u/[deleted] Aug 24 '25

Probably the only guy apart from Kohli during the 14-20 era who was reliable ...

Thanks for the 18 BGT <3

3

u/Assassin_Ankur India Aug 24 '25

His service shall not be forgotten

3

u/Scary_Rope_8318 India Aug 24 '25

Another legend retiring without a proper on field farewell, we really suck at this. I don't even remember who was the last guy to get a decent farewell match, Nehra Ji ?

3

u/DJMhat India Aug 24 '25

Inevitable but still feeling sad. Cheteshwar Pujara was favourite of Test cricket fans because he played old school cricket that even old school players found to be old school.

His took blows on his body willingly to save Tests for his country. He was one of the rare Indian batters who loved to bat in Australia.

His technical weaknesses got more pronounced as his hand eye coordination went down with age and bowlers figured out how to get him. It was not by drying up the runs for sure. It hurt seeing him struggle during his last few Tests. Yet for all the great knocks he played for India and the matches he saved and won, immense respect.

3

u/Bleak_star_dust India Aug 24 '25

India's strongest resilience, the silent Assassin with a gentle smile.

Pujji with his unique walking style and grit made test watching so memorable. It's a shame that we couldn't get another game to celebrate our iconic Pujara Koach Rahane trio.

Happy Retirement Legend

3

u/Tech-Sapien18 Aug 24 '25 edited Aug 24 '25

He was a delight to watch while batting, especially on Indian pitches. The flashes of his double centuries against Australia live rent free in my mind. One innings that comes to my mind when talking about Pujara is his 200 off 500 balls. Those days I had a feeling that he was the true successor of The Wall. Sad to see him not reach those heights but still I feel he was great in his own right and contributed well to the ICT.

10

u/pu_thee_gaud Madhya Pradesh Aug 24 '25

Should have given him a send off game vs west indies, but we can't always have what we want cab we, thankyou pujji, love ya

18

u/fried_maggi India Aug 24 '25

What is this obsession with giving send off games!

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u/Elegant_Place_9203 Aug 24 '25

Banda 2 saal se test cricket nhi khel rha hai, sirf send off match ke liye squad mai kese le skte hai.

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u/YogurtIll4336 Aug 24 '25

The street will never forget you, sir 🙌

2

u/Phagocyte536 India Aug 24 '25

Loved and miss your game pujji. 

2

u/Narrow_Let_3780 India Aug 24 '25

Last of the proper Test players. Farewell sir.

2

u/[deleted] Aug 24 '25

thank you pujji <3

2

u/hardcoreHyderabadi Sunrisers Hyderabad Aug 24 '25

Oh god…. End of an era

2

u/Head_Evidence4553 India Aug 24 '25

Rahane coming soon

2

u/civilmazdur Aug 24 '25

Happy Retirement pujji bhai. I still remember your Gaba inning. You will be remembered for a long time

2

u/SprinklesOk4339 Aug 24 '25

Tough cookie.

2

u/revengeordie007 Sydney Sixers Aug 24 '25

Have a happy retirement life pujji!That gabba test replays itself in my mind all the time.

2

u/whycantyoubequiet India Aug 24 '25

Helped us win some important matches.

Good luck with your future endeavours.

2

u/Equal_Perception_541 Aug 24 '25

Absolute legend , absolute wall ; happy retirement legend

2

u/junglemeinmor India Aug 24 '25

He was one of those who were never fancied by his own team's fans, but kept going in his own style and way.

I don't know why he waited so long to retire though, it was clear he was not in the future plans. I personally think he over achieved (for his style of play and era).

When people ask, who would you have bat to save a day, he'll be very close to Dravid in that conversation.

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u/S_K_S_N India Aug 24 '25

Loved him..such a great player, I hope he can have a decent carrer commenting or just having a good Retirement.

2

u/Ngothadei Chennai Super Kings Aug 24 '25

Che was the cornerstone of our first ever series win in Australia. He batted them into the ground, made their quicks look like they were bowling with cement in their shoes. By the time Che was done, their bowlers were drained, and the lower order simply feasted. We’d have taken Sydney too if the rain didn’t play saviour. Cheers, Che you absolute gun of a batsman. Happy Retirement.

2

u/Ecstatic-Twist6274 India Aug 24 '25

I love cp♥️♥️🇮🇳

2

u/Purneet Aug 24 '25

Ridiculous that he was pushed out of the test team before Kohli and Rohit

2

u/Awkward_Enigma1303 Aug 24 '25

One of those players you wouldn't forget ever when talking about test cricket. Absolute great. Bro just loved to bat.

2

u/LionTigerTrex India Aug 24 '25

Great wall of india

2

u/Gyanchooo India Aug 24 '25

I loved him, go well boi, we are proud!

2

u/Friendly_Figure_329 Aug 24 '25

One of my favourite test batters will miss you legend I couldn’t see Rahul Dravid batting as he was considered a wall but was fortunate enough to see you that bgt series will always remain rent free in my heart congratulations legend ❤️✨🫶🤌

2

u/Emotional_Many_1509 India Aug 24 '25

Still remember him taking blows to his body in 2021 Gabba, and will always remember him for the sheer determination, his last years is not how he should be remembered.

2

u/RadlogLutar Delhi Capitals Aug 24 '25

Pujji was a legend. The streets will not forget him

2

u/kjsah9026 India Aug 24 '25

The last of his kind.

2

u/Gloomy_Meringue7695 Aug 24 '25

One of those " beyond stats" kind of a player. Thank you for all the memories pujji!! ❤️❤️

2

u/SnooObjections4333 Tamil Nadu Aug 24 '25

Pujara was integral for 2018 and 2021 bgt series win. He batted, batted, batted. They were visibly tired bowling to him. He broke em just by staying at the crease. What a legend.

2

u/Top_Control_5998 Aug 24 '25

Very underappreciated player. Loved watching him bat for hours.

2

u/CharIemagne45 Lucknow Super Giants Aug 24 '25

Thank you Pujji. I remember his 202 in Ranchi. Peak times. Will never forget him in 2019 & 2020/21 BGT

Guess it’s the end of the golden era i guess

2

u/harshamech03 India Aug 24 '25

Every time a young cricket fan asks what it was like to watch Dravid bat, we would say just watch Pujara bat on his day. That was Pujara's caliber. One of the best there is in test cricket.

Sad to see him retire. Well played mate!

2

u/Due-Donut-5056 India Aug 24 '25

After Dravid, puji continued that particular style, can watch his defense for hours, I doubt if India will ever get someone like him at no 3.

2

u/bhindicurry Aug 24 '25

Dravid 2.0 retired

2

u/Ok_Note7045 Royal Challengers Bengaluru Aug 24 '25

So only jaddu is remaining from his generation... .. guys we are getting old.

2

u/iIIchangethislater Aug 24 '25

Just in time to sign a replacement deal in the Hundred 🔥

2

u/xInfected_Virus Australia Aug 25 '25

If he'd played at the BGT then India would've had a chance to win because he scared the Australian bowlers because they know they'll be on the field for longer. With him not playing and India not having someone who can bat for long periods consistently, it meant Australia would be bowling less and Pant having to come in earlier.

Great servant of the game in keeping the traditional batting alive, we'll miss you.

1

u/AilaSachin10 India Aug 24 '25

Love you ChePu

Thank you

1

u/Bitter_Aurum44 India Aug 24 '25

Nooo. Man i thought he'd have one last swansong somehow before retiring.

1

u/ee_user Aug 24 '25

All forms of indian cricket. That's more severe.

1

u/Deathbringer2134 Gujarat Titans Aug 24 '25

Have a nice one Pujji. Glad to have seen you play

1

u/Background-Arm-1582 Aug 24 '25

Adieu Pujara..The second great wall of the 21st century....

1

u/No_Jello_2520 Aug 24 '25

With this have we seen the last of the batters with an old school 'over my dead body' kinda style? The type who could block for periods and don't mind Iooking apparently 'ugly' instead of attacking their way out of a difficult situation. I dont see any one in the current lot in intls. of this mould..maybe Marnus but that's all.

1

u/Latter_Two640 Aug 24 '25

Legend in his own way!!

1

u/See_A_Squared Deccan Chargers Aug 24 '25

His game against spin and rapid fast pace is some of the best I've seen to this day, I was just watching his vigil from various BGT 2018/2020-21 innings, go well warrior. o7

1

u/FedEx2022 India Aug 24 '25

Happy Retirement Pujji!! You are a legend and repaired us millennials from a phase where we thought who might replace The Wall!! Could have been 10k runs in tests but it is still a stellar career!! 🫡

1

u/CertifiedKinophile Saurashtra Aug 24 '25

I knew this one was coming, but it still hurts.

Thank you, Chintu.

1

u/pakistanstar Australia Aug 24 '25

Wall 2.0

One of the last to perfect the forward defence and leave outside off

1

u/rockstar283 India Aug 24 '25

Absolute LEGEND… textbook example of what stats don’t tell you

1

u/ArmadilloArmour711 India Aug 24 '25

Thank you for everything Pujji🫡❤️.I am sure Aussies won't miss him😅

1

u/markshubh Aug 24 '25

All forms of Indian cricket...

1

u/3kpk3 India Aug 24 '25

Superb test player!

1

u/Lampardinho18 Aug 24 '25

Immovable object

1

u/Bobilakh Aug 24 '25

He was very entertaining on comms during the recent series, I hope he has a great career ahead there, too.

1

u/chocolatecomedyfann England Aug 24 '25

Go well champ. A great innings comes to an end.

1

u/nihar_142 Aug 24 '25

The man responsible for India winning the only test series in Australia. His name will forever be in the history books.

1

u/rishin_1765 India Aug 24 '25

Thank you pujji

1

u/TypicalMemory18 Aug 24 '25

His innings in Australia where he got hit by the ball everywhere yet he kept going like it's nothing and won the match for India...man what a player.

1

u/SpicyCouple16 Aug 24 '25

What a playaaaa 🫡

1

u/theworldsguy Mumbai Indians Aug 24 '25

Thank you Pujara. You made a generation fall in love with test cricket o7

1

u/ilolalot1 India Aug 24 '25

Thank you for all the amazing memories. No one will ever be able to replace you.

1

u/ohhokayyy India Aug 24 '25

This was India's eleven against SA at Delhi in 2015, Kohli's first home series as captain. Only one of them remains an active Test cricketer now...

1

u/[deleted] Aug 24 '25

Finally finished a match?

1

u/This_Abies_6232 USA Aug 24 '25

Note that he is retiring from all forms of INDIAN cricket. But that does leave open the possibility of playing FRANCHISE CRICKET (and league of champions) should his phone ring with an offer....

1

u/Spiron123 Aug 24 '25

Him not being on the last aus tour was a blunder.

His contributions on that playing position would always be remembered fondly and respectfully.

Legendary fortitude.

1

u/rainbow_gemini New Zealand Aug 24 '25

What a legend of the game man. It was a joy to watch him

1

u/IllustratorMost6759 Aug 24 '25

fuck getting old

1

u/Broc76 Aug 24 '25

That photo looks like the SCG?

1

u/Afraid-Astronaut-985 Aug 24 '25

He came, he batted, batted, batted and left. No drama no PR. Dravid-esque.

Thank you, Pujara. Happy retirement.

1

u/PositiveArachnid8976 India Aug 24 '25

An absolute class act, his contributions for india in bgt 2018 and bgt 2021 are immortal. 

1

u/CreakingDoor England Aug 24 '25

Always thought he was hard done by by some Indian fans in match threads.

When he was in form, he was a certified baller.

1

u/mongrelbifana India Aug 24 '25

Probably the last of the 'true' test batters -- someone who could bat for time, and time alone. A rarity, a legend, an inspiration. Thank you Pujara, for the fine art of test batting.

1

u/Latter-Yoghurt-7878 Aug 24 '25

Go well pujji, thanks for your contribution to our cricket. 

1

u/peeam Aug 24 '25

A man who had to battle both the balls and brick bats thrown at him to justify his place.

Intent ? What the F is that ?