Cheteshwar Pujara, one of India’s most dependable Test batters, announced his retirement from international cricket on Sunday, August 24, drawing a curtain on a career that spanned over a decade. The 37-year-old, who last played for India in 2022, walks away after featuring in 103 Tests between 2010 and 2023, amassing 7195 runs at an average of 43.60. Known for his resilience and classical technique, Pujara scored 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries, cementing his place as India’s modern-day “wall” in the longest format.

His greatest impact came during India’s historic overseas triumphs. Pujara’s marathon knocks played a central role in India’s back-to-back Test series wins in Australia, including the unforgettable 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he stood tall against brutal spells from Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.

He also played decisive innings in the West Indies and England tours, proving himself as India’s go-to man in challenging conditions. Against Australia alone, Pujara scored 2074 runs in 25 Tests—an indicator of how he relished facing the Baggy Greens.

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“I love playing against tough opponents. Australia are always challenging; they never let you win easily. Even if victory is near, they make you work hard for every run. You need to be mentally and physically strong,” Cheteshwar Pujara told Cricbuzz.

Reflecting on his career battles, Cheteshwar Pujara named Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, James Anderson, and Pat Cummins as the toughest bowlers he ever faced. “Steyn and Morkel at their peak in South Africa were incredibly tough. Anderson in England, with the ball swinging and seaming, was always a big test. And Cummins is among the most challenging in the modern era,” he said.

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The stats support his words—Steyn claimed 65 wickets in 14 Tests against India, while Morkel bagged 58 in 17. Anderson remains India’s biggest nemesis with 149 wickets in 39 Tests, while Cummins has already dismissed 75 Indian batters in just 18 matches.

When asked about the hardest tour, Cheteshwar Pujara admitted England was the sternest test: “Especially on green tops with Anderson and Broad operating—it was as tough as it gets.”