Cheteshwar Pujara Retirement: Jaydev Unadkat’s Powerful Tribute to the Wall of Indian Cricket
Indian cricket bid farewell to one of its toughest warriors as Cheteshwar Pujara announced his retirement from all forms of the game on Sunday, August 24. The 37-year-old batter, who carried India’s middle order for nearly two decades, leaves behind a legacy built on grit, patience, and unflinching determination.
A Career Built on Patience and Runs
Pujara’s career is a reminder that Test cricket is not just about flashy stroke play, but about resilience and mental toughness.
- 103 Test matches
- 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60
- 18 Test centuries
- Over 21,000 first-class runs in 278 matches
From his debut in 2005 to his final appearance in the World Test Championship final, Pujara remained India’s go-to man whenever the team needed someone to absorb pressure. He also featured in five ODIs, but it was in Test cricket where he earned the reputation of being India’s modern-day “Wall”.
Unadkat’s Emotional Note: More Than a Teammate
While fans celebrated his statistics, Pujara’s retirement also triggered an outpouring of personal tributes. His long-time Saurashtra teammate and India pacer Jaydev Unadkat shared a heartfelt message, recalling their journey together.
Unadkat revealed how Pujara played a defining role in his career. Back in 2010, it was Pujara who convinced the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) management to give the young left-arm pacer a trial — a move that changed Unadkat’s career path.
“Your grit and determination is something the cricketing world will talk about for generations. But beyond that, you were also the brother I fought with over FIFA games, argued with over silly topics, and celebrated victories with. Proud to have shared this journey with you,” Unadkat wrote.
The pacer signed off his tribute by calling Pujara not just a senior or colleague, but “a brother to round it all off.”
Pujara’s Final Words
In his retirement note posted on X (formerly Twitter), Pujara wrote:
“Wearing the Indian jersey, singing the anthem, and giving my best each time on the field — it’s impossible to put into words what it truly meant. But as they say, all good things come to an end. With immense gratitude, I retire from Indian cricket.”
Even though he has stepped away from professional cricket, Pujara will stay connected to the game. He has already entered the commentary box during the India vs England Test series, and fans can expect to see more of him in that role.
A True Test Warrior
Cheteshwar Pujara’s career was not about glamour or highlight reels. It was about discipline, hard work, and the courage to fight session after session for his team. For Indian cricket fans, he will forever remain the man who embodied the spirit of Test cricket.
As his teammate Unadkat put it, Pujara’s journey is nothing short of a “fairy tale”. And for generations of young cricketers, his story will be a lasting source of inspiration.
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