Pujara retired from all forms of Indian cricket on August 24, 2025.
The 37-year-old represented India in 103 Tests, scoring 7195 runs at an average of 43.60 with the help of 19 hundreds and 35 half-centuries. The highlight of his career was the critical role he played in India’s successive Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumphs on Australian soil.
While Pujara was adjudged Player of the Series when India clinched the BGT 2018-19, his grit and determination left the Aussies frustrated two years later as the visitors defended the trophy.
In an interview with The Indian Express, Pujara spoke about how he dealt with body blows while batting, especially in the 2020-21 tour of Australia.
“In moments like these, it is important to look at the bigger picture. You are batting for your team, billions are looking up to you and wanting and praying for the team to do well with the series on the line. When you get hit on the body, you do get shattered sometimes, but then you have to keep your calm. You have to trust yourself, the game and the ability," Pujara stated.
“Getting hit once or twice is fine, but when it hits repeatedly on the same spot, the pain becomes unbearable. That’s where the mental toughness comes in. That’s when your dedication and love for the country come in. I believe in God, and he gives me strength. In tough times, you need that spiritual power, which is something beyond human understanding. I get strength that I cannot describe, but I get strength," he further added.
Beyond his international exploits, Cheteshwar Pujara built a monumental legacy in domestic cricket. In 278 first-class appearances, he aggregated 21,301 runs at an average of 51.82, including 66 centuries and 81 fifties.
A true red-ball specialist, Pujara also left a notable mark in List A cricket, scoring 5759 runs from 130 matches with 16 tons and 34 half-centuries.