Cheteshwar Pujara retired from Indian Test cricket on August 24, 2025, leaving fans emotional. For over a decade, he was India’s rock at No. 3, saving games with grit. His 103 Tests, 7195 runs, and 19 centuries shaped India’s success. From Bengaluru to Brisbane, his Pujara best innings inspired many.
Pujara’s debut in 2010 against Australia showed his promise. He scored a quick 72, helping India chase 207. Later, his marathon 202 in Ranchi and gritty 77 in Sydney defined his legacy. His retirement, alongside stars like Kohli and Ashwin, marks an era’s end.
Why does his absence sting? Pujara’s patience and resilience were unmatched. He faced tough bowlers like Steyn and Cummins, often taking body blows. His Test batting records include five centuries against Australia alone. Fans will miss his calm focus and ability to anchor innings.
This article dives into Pujara’s best knocks and why he’s irreplaceable. Want to explore more cricket history? Check out the India national cricket team vs Bangladesh national cricket team timeline for exciting moments. Let’s celebrate Pujara Test career and his unforgettable contributions.
Pujara’s Gritty 72 in Bengaluru Debut (2010)
Pujara’s Test debut in Bengaluru was a sign of greatness. India chased 207 against Australia in 2010. Promoted to No. 3, he scored 72 off 89 balls. His calm handling of pace and spin secured India’s win.
He faced Mitchell Johnson’s fiery bowling with ease. Against spinner Nathan Hauritz, he danced down the pitch. His knock left India just 61 runs short of victory. This innings marked him as Rahul Dravid’s heir.
Pujara’s debut showed his knack for big moments. He replaced Dravid at No. 3 later. His Pujara vs Australia battles became legendary. Fans still talk about his fearless start.
Why Bengaluru 2010 Was Special?
Pujara’s 72 was more than a debut score. At 22, he outshone veterans like Dravid. His quick scoring under pressure impressed everyone. It set the tone for his Test cricket centuries.
This knock helped India win by seven wickets. It proved Pujara could handle tough chases. His technique against spin was flawless. Bengaluru 2010 remains a fan favorite in Pujara Test career.
Epic 202 in Ranchi’s Tough Pitch (2017)
In 2017, Ranchi saw Pujara’s marathon 202 against Australia. Facing 525 balls, he batted over two days. Australia’s 451 was daunting, but Pujara stood firm. His double century led India to 603 for 9.
The pitch was tricky, with uneven bounce. Yet, Pujara tackled bowlers like Hazlewood with ease. His 202 is India’s longest innings by balls faced. The match ended in a draw, thanks to him, as he is the inspiration for the youngsters.
This knock showed his cricket batting resilience. He outlasted Australia’s tight bowling. Fans cheered his focus and stamina. It’s one of Pujara’s best innings.
How Pujara Outplayed Australia?
Pujara’s 202 was a masterclass in patience. He built a 100-run stand with Murali Vijay. Australia’s bowlers tried everything, but he stayed calm. His Test match draws often came from such grit.
This innings saved India from a tough spot. It showed why he was India’s anchor. His ability to bat long is unmatched. Ranchi 2017 is a highlight of Indian Test cricket.
Heroic 123 and 71 in Adelaide (2018)
Adelaide 2018 saw Pujara rescue India from 41 for 4. His 123 off 246 balls lifted India to 250. In the second innings, his 71 set Australia 323 to chase. India won by 31 runs.
Pujara’s patience outshone his teammates’ loose shots. He faced Australia’s fierce pace attack alone. His Pujara Adelaide 2018 knocks earned him Player of the Series. It was a turning point in India’s historic series win.
His focus made him a wall at No. 3. Fans loved his never-give-up spirit. This performance cemented his Indian cricket heroes status. Adelaide remains a defining moment.
Pujara’s Role in India’s Victory
Pujara’s 123 and 71 were game-changers. He carried India’s batting on day one. His second-innings 71 was gritty and crucial. It helped India set a tough target.
This win was India’s first Test series triumph in Australia. Pujara’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy record shines bright. His 521 runs in 2018-19 were massive. His Test cricket stats tell a story of grit.
Unbreakable Spirit in Sydney and Brisbane (2021)
Pujara’s 2020-21 Australia tour was about courage. In Sydney, he scored 50 and 77, taking body blows. His 77 off 205 balls helped India draw the Test. In Brisbane, his 56 off 211 aided a historic win.
He wore hits from Cummins and Starc like a badge. His Pujara Sydney 2021 knock inspired Vihari and Ashwin. Brisbane’s 56 was slow but vital for India’s 2-1 series win. His grit defined Indian Test cricket.
Pujara’s cricket batting resilience shone through pain. Fans admired his sacrifice for the team. These knocks are etched in cricket history. They showed why he’s a legend.
Why Sydney and Brisbane Were Epic?
Sydney’s 77 was a test of endurance. Pujara absorbed blows to save the game. His Brisbane 56 set up India’s chase. Both knocks showed his Test match draws expertise.
These efforts led to India’s series triumph. Pujara’s body-on-the-line approach was heroic. His Pujara vs Australia legacy grew stronger. Fans will miss this fighting spirit.
Taming Australia’s Fierce Bowling Attack
Pujara dominated Australia’s bowlers like few others. His Pujara vs Australia record includes five centuries. He faced fiery pacers like Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood with ease. His technique was simple but deadly.
He played late, letting balls go outside off-stump. This tired out bowlers like Mitchell Johnson. In 2018-19, he scored 521 runs, earning Player of the Series. His patience frustrated Australia’s plans every time.
Pujara’s ability to read length was unmatched. He punished loose balls with crisp drives. His Test batting records show his knack for big scores. Fans loved watching him wear down Australia’s attack.
How Pujara Broke Down Pacers?
Pujara’s method was patient yet aggressive. He left countless deliveries to tire bowlers. His 202 in Ranchi exhausted Australia’s pace attack. This made him a Border-Gavaskar Trophy legend.
His 521 runs in 2018-19 came against top bowlers. He handled bounce and swing expertly. His focus made him India’s wall. Australia feared his cricket batting resilience.
Mastering Sri Lanka’s Spinning Tracks
Pujara thrived on Sri Lanka’s spin-friendly pitches. In 2015, he scored 145 in Colombo against Rangana Herath. His footwork neutralized the turning ball. He added 133 in 2017, proving his Pujara vs spin mastery.
Sri Lanka’s tracks often crumble, favoring spinners. Yet, Pujara used soft hands to play late. His sweep shots kept bowlers guessing. These knocks helped India dominate the series.
His Sri Lanka Test cricket record is stellar. He faced tough spinners with confidence. Fans admired his ability to adapt. His centuries in Sri Lanka are unforgettable.
Colombo 2015: A Spin-Taming Classic
Pujara’s 145 in Colombo was a gem. He came in at 27 for 2, under pressure. His quick feet and wristwork beat Herath’s spin. This century set up India’s win.
His knock showed his Test cricket centuries brilliance. He swept and drove with ease. Sri Lanka’s bowlers had no answer. It’s a highlight of Pujara Test career.
Shining on Bangladesh’s Turning Pitches
In Bangladesh, Pujara handled spin with skill. In 2019, he scored 55 and 70 in Indore. Facing Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan, he was rock-solid. His Pujara vs spin ability shone bright.
Bangladesh’s pitches turn sharply, testing batters. Pujara’s sweep shots and quick feet worked perfectly. He built key partnerships to steady India. These knocks helped India win comfortably.
His Bangladesh Test cricket performances were vital. He adapted to tough conditions easily. Fans loved his calm approach. Pujara’s spin-playing skill was unmatched.
Indore 2019: Defying Spin with Ease
Pujara’s 55 and 70 in Indore were crucial. He batted with control against spin. His sweep shots frustrated Bangladesh’s bowlers. This helped India dominate the Test.
His Test batting records in Bangladesh are impressive. He faced spin without fear. His technique inspired younger players. Indore 2019 is a key Pujara best innings.
Pujara’s Legacy as India’s Wall
Pujara was India’s anchor at No. 3 for over a decade. His Pujara Test career saved countless games. He mentored young batters like Shubman Gill. His 7195 runs are a testament to grit.
His Indian cricket heroes status comes from resilience. He faced 500+ balls in an innings, a rare feat. His calm focus inspired teammates. India will miss his steady presence.
Pujara’s cricket retirement shocked fans. His role in series wins, like 2018-19 Australia, is iconic. He leaves a gap no one can fill. His legacy lives on in cricket lore.
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Mentoring India’s Next Generation
Pujara guided young batters like Gill and Vihari. His disciplined approach set an example. His Test match draws taught patience. Youngsters learned from his cricket batting resilience.
His advice shaped India’s batting lineup. He shared tips on facing spin and pace. His legacy will inspire future stars. India’s No. 3 role needs his spirit.
Pujara’s Top Test Knocks
| Match | Runs | Balls Faced | Opponent | Year | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bengaluru | 72 | 89 | Australia | 2010 | Won |
| Johannesburg | 153 | 270 | South Africa | 2013 | Draw |
| Colombo | 145 | 289 | Sri Lanka | 2015 | Won |
| Ranchi | 202 | 525 | Australia | 2017 | Draw |
| Adelaide | 123 & 71 | 246 & 204 | Australia | 2018 | Won |
| Indore | 55 & 70 | 98 & 159 | Bangladesh | 2019 | Won |
| Sydney | 50 & 77 | 176 & 205 | Australia | 2021 | Draw |
| Brisbane | 25 & 56 | 94 & 211 | Australia | 2021 | Won |
FAQ
Why did Pujara retire from Test cricket?
Pujara retired on August 24, 2025, after 103 Tests, citing it was time to move on. His last game was the 2023 WTC final.
What are Pujara’s best Test innings?
His 202 in Ranchi, 123 in Adelaide, and 145 in Colombo stand out for impact.
How did Pujara dominate Australia’s bowlers?
His late playing and patience tired out pacers like Cummins, scoring 521 runs in 2018-19.
How did Pujara handle spin in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh?
His sweep shots and quick feet neutralized spinners like Herath and Shakib.
Who will replace Pujara at No. 3?
Young batters like Shubman Gill may step up, but matching his grit will be tough.
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Conclusion
Cheteshwar Pujara’s retirement leaves a void in Indian Test cricket. His 7195 runs, 19 centuries, and endless grit defined an era. From his debut 72 in Bengaluru to his spin-taming 145 in Colombo, he was India’s wall. His Pujara best innings saved games and won series, especially against Australia.
His Border-Gavaskar Trophy heroics, like Adelaide 2018, made history. He mastered spin in Sri Lanka Test cricket and Bangladesh Test cricket. Young players will struggle to match his cricket batting resilience. Fans will miss his calm focus and selfless play.
India’s Test team now faces a challenge at No. 3. Pujara’s Test cricket centuries set a benchmark for patience. His legacy inspires future stars to dig deep. What’s your favorite Pujara moment? Share below and keep celebrating cricket!
