Cheteshwar Pujara’s career is a masterclass in defiance against the T20 onslaught. While the cricket world chased quick runs and pyrotechnics, Pujara embraced the grind of Test matches, earning comparisons to Rahul Dravid as the second ‘Wall of Indian cricket.’ Hailing from Rajkot, where he was born in 1988, Pujara was molded by his father Arvind, a first-class player who channeled his own aspirations into his son’s prodigious talent.
Debuting for Saurashtra in domestic cricket in 2005, Pujara’s five years of dominance paved the way for his international call-up in 2010 against Australia. Stepping in as Dravid and Laxman wound down, he quickly became indispensable. His mental fortitude and ability to bat for days turned challenging pitches into fortresses for India.
Pujara’s peak came during overseas sojourns. In the historic 2018-19 Australia tour, his 521-run haul neutralized a fierce pace attack, clinching victory in the series. Iconic performances include double tons against England and Australia, a resilient 153 in South Africa, and crucial knocks in Sydney and Brisbane in 2021. These weren’t just stats; they were chapters in India’s Test resurgence.
Boasting 7,195 runs in 103 Tests at 43.60, with 19 hundreds, Pujara’s ledger speaks volumes. Success in county cricket added to his pedigree. Retiring from internationals on August 24, 2025, Pujara’s legacy endures as a reminder that in cricket’s shortest format era, the longest format demands—and rewards—the deepest dedication.
