Tributes pour in for Pujara after retirement
Cricket pundits and former players led the way in tributes for India’s former no.3 Test star Cheteshwar Pujara.
Cheteshwar Pujara called time on his international career via a post on social media. The 37-year-old ended as India’s eighth-highest run-getter in the Test format, with 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60 with 19 centuries to his name.
The batter who was crucial during India’s prolific Test run during the late 2010s, was known for his fighting knocks in adverse conditions and his ability to soak in the pressure through classic Test match batting. He featured in the World Test Championship Finals of 2021 and 2023.
The former India international received several plaudits on his international career.
Leading the way was India's Test captain Shubman Gill.
Thank you pujji bhai ❤️🇮🇳 @cheteshwar1 pic.twitter.com/xhJs6I67rt
— Shubman Gill (@ShubmanGill) August 24, 2025
India head coach Gautam Gambhir applauded the batter’s fighting spirit.
He stood tall when the storm raged, he fought when hope was fading. Congratulations Pujji 🇮🇳@cheteshwar1 pic.twitter.com/0Tj836uoO9
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) August 24, 2025
Cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar who played the final bits of his international career with Pujara, referred to him as the architect of India's historic win over Australia in 2018.
Pujara, it was always reassuring to see you walk out at No.3.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 24, 2025
You brought calm, courage, and a deep love for Test cricket every time you played.
Your solid technique, patience, and composure under pressure have been a pillar for the team. Out of many, the 2018 series win in… pic.twitter.com/p0mWKfD9zm
Anil Kumble, who coached India between 2016 and 2017, commended Pujara for his on-field contributions.
Congratulations on a fantastic career!You have been a great ambassador of this wonderful game @cheteshwar1 We are all proud of all your achievements on the cricket field. You gave it your all for the team! It was a privilege to have worked with you and may you continue to shine…
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) August 24, 2025
Cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle recalled that Pujara played with “class and dignity” and that the batter gave his very best for India.
You have been a symbol of everything Indian cricket stands for @cheteshwar1. You were tough, an absolute fighter, you played with class and dignity and everytime you were on the field, you did your best for India. As followers, we could not have asked for more. Indian fans will…
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 24, 2025
Former India batter VVS Laxman recalled Pujara’s gritty Gabba knock in 2021, during which he overcame hostile pace bowling to help India secure a historic win.
From the time I first saw Pujara and his potential, it was brilliant to see that potential translating into performance. His courage, grit and determination stood out and the body blows that he took in the Gabba test we won against Australia symbolised Pujara the cricketer for… pic.twitter.com/HsM54bVRVa
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) August 24, 2025
Former India international Suresh Raina also congratulated Pujara on his prolific career.
India's former stars including Mohammed Kaif, Yuvraj Singh, and Harbhajan Singh also paid their tributes to Pujara.
Cheteshwar Pujara's contribution is difficult to match. An old school cricketer who flourished in the modern game, he conducted himself with dignity. Those willing to play Test cricket should follow his foot steps. @cheteshwar1
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) August 24, 2025
Someone who always put his mind, body and soul for the country! Many congratulations on an outstanding career Puji! See you on the other side! @cheteshwar1 pic.twitter.com/gbpscDGFZd
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) August 24, 2025
Cheteshwar Pujara – the unsung hero of Indian cricket.
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) August 24, 2025
A player who always put the team before himself, who gave not just a hundred percent but everything possible for India. Your contribution to Indian cricket is immense and will be remembered for a very, very long time.… pic.twitter.com/0YmpQnpr4E