India’s long-time number three batter of the longest format, Cheteshwar Pujara, announced his retirement from international cricket. He brought down the curtains on his career but kept himself available for selection during the next Ranji Trophy 2025/26 season for Saurashtra.

The right-handed batter finished his red-ball career as the eighth leading run-getter for the Blue Brigade. With 7195 runs in 176 innings at an average of 43.60 and a strike rate of nearly 51.25, thanks to 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries at the best score of unbeaten 206 runs, Pujara finished ahead of Dilip Vengsarkar and just behind Sourav Ganguly. India’s PM Narendra Modi shared a special message on the batter.

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“I learnt about your decision to retire from all forms of cricket. Following the announcement, there has been an outpouring of appreciation from the fans and the cricketing fraternity about your remarkable achievements. I convey my heartiest congratulations and warmest greetings on a spectacular cricketing career.” PM Narendra Modi expressed in a letter.

PM Narendra Modi shares special message on Cheteshwar Pujara's international retirement

Pujara’s best contribution for the national side came during the BGT 2019/20 down under when he smashed over 500 runs to win the series by 2-1. His contribution with the bat at number three, in taking the shine off the new ball to make it easy for the middle order batters, was exceptional.

I was honoured to receive a letter of appreciation on my retirement from our Honourable Prime Minister. The warm sentiments expressed are much appreciated. While I venture into my second innings, I cherish every memory on the field, and all the love and appreciation I have… pic.twitter.com/s74fIYrboM

— Cheteshwar Pujara (@cheteshwar1) August 31, 2025

“In an age dominated by shorter formats of cricket, you were a reminder of the beauty of the longer format of the game. Your unflappable temperament and ability to bat long hours with great concentration made you the fulcrum of the Indian batting line-up.” PM Narendra Modi expressed in the letter.

“I was honoured to receive a letter of appreciation on my retirement from our Honourable Prime Minister. The warm sentiments expressed are much appreciated. While I venture into my second innings, I cherish every memory on the field and all the love and appreciation I have received. Thank you, Sir.” Pujara wrote on his ‘X’ account (formerly known as Twitter).

Recently retired Indian top-order batter, Cheteshwar Pujara, has revealed that he knew that he wouldn’t get regular chances in various leagues around the world. This was the biggest reason why the Saurashtra batter was focused mostly on the longest format of the game.

Pujara has played 71 T20 games in his entire career, where he smashed 1556 runs at an average of just under 30 and a strike rate of 112.18 with nine half-centuries and the best score of an unbeaten century. His last IPL game came in 2014, in which season, he drilled 125 runs at a strike rate of 100.80.

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“Yeah, look, someone like me always didn’t have too many options if I had to continue playing Test cricket. I wanted my entire focus to be there, for Test cricket. And I didn’t want to shift my focus from Test cricket, into say T20 leagues or T20 format. I did that early in my career, where I tried my best. If I got an opportunity to be part of the IPL, the T20, or the ODI cricket, then I would be more than happy to do so.” Pujara expressed on ESPNcricinfo.

Watch: Cheteshwar Pujara reveals reasons for not being regular in T20 leagues

Pujara’s last T20 game came in 2022 against Mumbai when he added 12 runs in 10 balls, opening the batting. The veteran shed light on how he never tried range hitting in practice before Test matches.

'Knew I wouldn't get a chance in the T20 leagues'

Chetweshwar Pujara on why he never chased the shortest format 🗣️ #RockAndRollIt pic.twitter.com/NFenW4C1KX

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) August 30, 2025

“But in the last five to six years, I knew that I would just have to carry on to play Test cricket. I won’t get an opportunity to play white-ball cricket. So, I didn’t want to shift my focus and change my game just for white-ball cricket. It might affect Test cricket, and I didn’t want to sacrifice that.” The 37-year-old addressed.

“My priority was Test cricket, and I stuck to that. I did try range hitting in practice, but that was only before a T20 game for Saurashtra or when I played white-ball cricket for Sussex. It was purely for the ODI or the T20 preparation. I never did that for Test cricket when I practiced for Test, I never tried too many shots. Maybe against spinners, I did.” The Saurashtra-born added.

India’s recently retired top-order batter, Cheteshwar Pujara, who recently decided to retire from international cricket and still kept himself available for the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2025/26 season for Saurashtra, has responded to the compliment of the former Indian captain, Virat Kohli.

Kohli was late in wishing Pujara’s international career for India when he shed light on the right-handed batter’s comment on how the number three batter made life easy for the Delhi-born to go through his process at number four. “Thank you for making my job easier at 4 pujji. You’ve had an amazing career. Congratulations and wish you the best for what’s ahead. God bless @cheteshwar_pujara.” Kohli wrote on Instagram.

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“It's a nice compliment from Virat. He's a great player, and if he's saying that I've made his life easier, I'm really proud because if you're a top-order batsman, your job is to ensure that the rest of the batters who bat at number 4, 5, 6, you make their life easier. That's my job.” Pujara expressed during a recent interaction.

Cheteshwar Pujara responds to Virat Kohli’s wish on international retirement

Pujara finished his red-ball career as the eighth leading run-getter of the Blue Brigade with the help of 7195 runs in 176 innings at an average of 43.60, thanks to 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries at the best score of 206*. In FC cricket, the veteran has grabbed 21301 runs at an average of 51.82 with 66 centuries and 81 fifties.

During India’s first red-ball series win against Australia down under during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2018/19, Pujara contributed with over 500 runs in four games, where he faced over 1200 deliveries for the six-week campaign, as the opponent bowling line-up was frustrated by the end of the series.

Kohli and Pujara compiled 3513 runs in 83 innings of the longest format, registering seven century partnerships and eight half-century stands at an average of 43.37. In the last eight months, India has lost several Test players, including Ravichandran Ashwin and Rohit Sharma. A few could also decide on a new future as the Test side is slowly moving into the transition.

Star Indian batter Virat Kohli took 18 seasons to win his first IPL title when Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) won the trophy in the 2025 season. They defeated the Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six runs in the final.

Virat Kohli played a key role and was the top run-scorer for RCB this season. He scored 657 runs in 15 games, with an average of 54.75 and a strike rate of 144.71, including eight half-centuries.

Kohli had come close to winning the title three times when RCB reached the finals in 2009, 2011, and 2016, but he could not win the trophy. Overall, he has scored 8,661 runs in 267 IPL matches, with an average of 39.54, including eight centuries and 63 fifties.

While it took him 18 years to win the IPL, several players were lucky enough to win the trophy much earlier. This also includes players who were part of winning teams but did not make a big contribution themselves.

Here are five Indian players you may not know who won the IPL before Virat Kohli:

Also Read -DPL 2025 : Updated points table and Key player stats after match-38

5. RP Singh – Deccan Chargers, IPL 2012

Former India pacer RP Singh made his IPL debut in 2008 with the now-defunct Deccan Chargers. The next season, in 2009, he won the league as Deccan Chargers beat RCB by six runs in the final.

Batting first, they scored 143/6 and then restricted the opposition to 137/9. RP Singh bowled four overs and gave just 16 runs while taking one wicket. Virat Kohli also played in that final and scored seven runs. The left-arm pacer was important throughout the season and ended as the highest-wicket taker with 23 wickets, winning the 'Purple Cap'.

4. Wriddhiman Saha – Chennai Super Kings, IPL 2011

Former wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha played for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2011 and was in the final against RCB. He did not bat in the final but still won the title as CSK beat RCB by 58 runs. That season, Saha batted in three innings and scored 68 runs, with a top score of 46 not out. Virat Kohli scored 35 runs in the 2011 final. Saha had a good season with 557 runs from 16 games at an average of 46.41, including four fifties, but could not win the trophy before the final.

3. Jaydev Unadkat – Kolkata Knight Riders, IPL 2012

Left-arm pacer Jaydev Unadkat was part of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) when they won the IPL in 2012. KKR beat CSK by five wickets in a close final. CSK scored 190/3 batting first, and KKR chased it down in the last over. Unadkat did not play in the final and played only one game that season, giving 32 runs in three overs without taking a wicket. Even so, he became an IPL winner. He also played with Virat Kohli in 2013 when Unadkat joined RCB.

2.  Unmukt Chand – Mumbai Indians, IPL 2015

Former India batter and Under-19 World Cup-winning captain Unmukt Chand won the IPL before Virat Kohli. He was part of Mumbai Indians (MI) when they won the league in 2015. MI beat CSK by 41 runs in the final. Unmukt Chand did not play in the final. He played six matches that season and scored 102 runs at an average of 20.40, including one half-century. He last played in the IPL in 2016 for MI, after which he was released and never returned to the league.

1. Cheteshwar Pujara – Chennai Super Kings, IPL 2021

Veteran Test batter Cheteshwar Pujara, who recently retired from all Indian cricket, also won the IPL before Virat Kohli. Pujara was bought by CSK in 2021 for ₹50 lakh. They beat KKR in the final by 27 runs. Pujara did not play any game that season but became an IPL champion. He had returned to the league after 2014. Pujara played alongside Virat Kohli when Kohli was part of RCB from 2011 to 2013. He was released after 2021 and never played in the IPL again.

Former Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara shared the names of the four toughest bowlers he faced in his career after announcing his retirement from international cricket.

In a post-retirement interview with Indian media, the 37-year-old named two South African pacers, one from England, and one from Australia. He said Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel from South Africa, James Anderson from England, and Pat Cummins from Australia were the most difficult bowlers for him.

Pujara’s record against South Africa in Tests was not strong. He scored at an average of 30.41 in 17 matches with only one century. His numbers were worse in South Africa, where he averaged just 28.15 in 19 innings.

Also Read -Cheteshwar Pujara vs Sourav Ganguly – Statistical Comparison After 103 Test Matches

Pujara’s Struggles Against Top Bowlers

The numbers show how much Pujara struggled against them. Against Dale Steyn, he averaged only 30, while his average fell further to 18 against Morne Morkel. Together, the South African duo dismissed him six times.

Against James Anderson, Pujara averaged just 21.80 in Tests and was out to the English pacer 12 times. Pat Cummins also troubled him, dismissing him eight times while Pujara averaged 22.50 against him.

Pujara announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket on Sunday. He played 103 Tests and five ODIs after making his debut in 2010. He scored 7,195 Test runs at an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries and 35 fifties. At home, he averaged 52.58 with 3,839 runs. His last Test was the WTC final against Australia at The Oval in June 2023.

He is also one of only three Indian players, alongside ML Jaisimha and Ravi Shastri, to bat on all five days of a Test match. Interestingly, Pujara did not include Jasprit Bumrah among the toughest bowlers, as he faced him only once in IPL 2024 and scored four runs off five balls.

Former Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara picked the four toughest bowlers he faced during his career, via TOI. pic.twitter.com/uR9LB6mk9J

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) August 25, 2025

Pujara’s Five Best Knocks

Pujara also picked his five favourite Test innings. His first choice was 145* in Sri Lanka in 2015, a comeback innings that helped India win the series 2-1. His second was 123 against Australia in Adelaide in the 2018/19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where India went on to win the series 2-1.

His next two picks were double centuries against England and Australia at home in the 2012/13 season, both in winning causes. His final choice was the fighting 92 against Australia in Bengaluru in 2017, which helped India level the series 1-1.

Pujara ended his career with 7,195 Test runs at an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries, in 103 matches.

The former Indian captain, Virat Kohli, has shared a special message on the international retirement of the middle-order batter, Cheteshwar Pujara, who, however, has kept him available for the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2025/26 for the Saurashtra side. During Kohli’s tenure as India’s Test captain, Pujara made an enormous contribution with the bat. 

Virat Kohli also retired from the longest format of the game a few months ago when he announced the decision through an Instagram post before the five-match Test series in England. Pujara ended his red-ball career as the eighth leading run-getter of the national side with 7195 runs in 176 innings at an average of 43.60, thanks to 19 centuries and 35 fifties.

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“Thank you for making my job easier at 4 pujji. You’ve had an amazing career. Congratulations and wish you the best for what’s ahead. God bless @cheteshwar_pujara.” Kohli wrote on his Instagram story with a picture. Pujara’s role at number three for the Blue Brigade in the five-day format was incredibly important in not only scoring runs but also going through the new ball spell.

Virat Kohli pays tribute to Cheteshwar Pujara after international retirement

Pujara hasn’t played for India in the red-ball format since the final of the World Test Championship 2021-23 against Australia at the Kennington Oval in South London. He drew warm wishes from the fans and followers of the game as Kohli’s delayed posting again showed how important the right-handed batter was in the middle.

Virat Kohli's Instagram story for Cheteshwar Pujara ❤️🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/u0JUj9DCP5

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 26, 2025

“Pujara's contribution at No.3, if you agree or do not, was instrumental in helping Virat Kohli also make a lot of his runs, and I have one such case as an example. In the final Test against South Africa at the Wanderers, where the pitch was deemed too dangerous at one stage, Pujara played 53 balls before he got off the mark.” Ravichandran Ashwin, the former Indian player, addressed.

Ashwin retired from international cricket post the Gabba Test of the BGT 2024/25. After that, Rohit Sharma and Kohli also retired in between a week. Now, with Pujara’s retirement, India’s golden period of the Test team is slowly fading.

Cheteshwar Pujara, one of India’s most dependable batters, officially announced his retirement from all formats of Indian cricket on Sunday, August 24. He made the decision public through social media, marking the end of a celebrated career.

Pujara last represented India in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval. Since then, he had been away from the Test setup, watching younger players take up key roles in the batting lineup.

His exclusion from the squad for the five-match Test series in England was seen as a strong indication of the transition. Accepting the reality, Pujara decided to step aside, leaving behind an inspiring legacy built on resilience, patience, and consistency in red-ball cricket.

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Cheteshwar Pujara vs Sourav Ganguly: A Statistical Showdown:

Cheteshwar Pujara made his Test debut against Australia in Bengaluru in October 2010 and immediately left his mark with a composed 72 off 89 balls in the second innings, helping India secure a seven-wicket victory. After Rahul Dravid’s retirement in 2012, Pujara seamlessly stepped into the crucial No. 3 role in India’s batting order.

One of his finest moments came during the 2018-19 series in Australia, where he scored an impressive 521 runs in four Tests, playing a vital role in India’s historic first-ever series win Down Under. He again proved his value in the 2020-21 series against Australia, absorbing immense pressure and standing firm as a key contributor to another memorable Indian triumph overseas.

Pujara wrapped up his illustrious journey after playing 103 Test matches for India. With his retirement, it becomes interesting to draw a comparison between his numbers and those of former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly, who had reached the same milestone during his cricketing career.

• Cheteshwar Pujara vs Sourav Ganguly – Who Leads in Runs After 103 Tests?

Cheteshwar Pujara finished his career with 7,195 runs in 103 Test matches at an average of 43.60. Against Australia, he enjoyed tremendous success, scoring 2,074 runs in 25 matches at an impressive average of 49.38. He also performed strongly against England, accumulating 1,778 runs in 27 Tests at 39.51.

The veteran batter added 867 runs from 12 Tests against New Zealand at 39.40 and scored 882 runs in 17 appearances versus South Africa at 30.41. Pujara’s most dominant run came against Sri Lanka, where he notched up 743 runs in just seven matches, averaging a remarkable 74.30.

At the 103-Test mark, Sourav Ganguly had scored 6,581 runs at an average of 42.45. Against Australia, he managed 1,079 runs in 20 matches at 31.73. His best numbers came versus England, where he amassed 983 runs in 12 Tests at an excellent average of 57.82. He also scored 968 runs against Sri Lanka in 11 matches at 56.94.

Ganguly’s record included 902 runs in 12 Tests against Pakistan at 47.47 and 736 runs in 14 matches versus South Africa, averaging 30.66. Additionally, he registered 563 runs from eight Tests against New Zealand, averaging a solid 46.91 with the bat.

• Cheteshwar Pujara vs Sourav Ganguly – Who Has More Centuries After 103 Tests?

Cheteshwar Pujara had a highly successful Test career, registering 19 centuries along with 35 fifties. He proved his consistency against top teams, scoring five centuries each against Australia and England. He also dominated Sri Lanka with four hundreds to his name, showcasing his ability to perform across conditions.

In addition, Pujara recorded two centuries against New Zealand and one each versus South Africa, West Indies, and Bangladesh. His finest Test knock came in 2012 at Ahmedabad, where he remained unbeaten on 206 against England. This innings highlighted not only his patience and grit but also his ability to anchor long partnerships.

At the 103-Test mark, Sourav Ganguly had scored 15 centuries and 32 fifties, with his highest being 239 against Pakistan in Bengaluru in December 2007. Out of his 15 tons, three each were struck against England, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka. He also recorded two centuries apiece versus Pakistan and Zimbabwe, while adding one each against Australia and Bangladesh to his tally.

• Cheteshwar Pujara vs Sourav Ganguly – Whose SENA record shines brighter after 103 Tests?

Cheteshwar Pujara featured in 41 Test matches across SENA countries, where he accumulated 2,558 runs at an average of 32.79. During this phase, he registered five centuries and 14 fifties, with his highest score of 193 coming at the Sydney Test in 2019, a memorable knock that highlighted his resilience.

Breaking down his SENA record, Pujara was most successful in Australia, averaging 47.28 in 11 Tests, where he struck three centuries. In England, he managed 29 runs per innings from 16 matches, while in South Africa, he averaged 28.15 in 10 games, including one century. His least returns came in New Zealand, averaging 20 across four Tests.

After 103 Tests, Sourav Ganguly had played 32 matches in SENA nations, amassing 2,311 runs from 59 innings at an average of 42.01, showcasing his consistency in challenging conditions. He registered five centuries and 13 half-centuries during this phase, with his highest score of 144 coming in the Brisbane Test of 2003, a memorable knock against Australia.

Looking at his performances individually, Ganguly averaged 34.80 in 11 Tests played in Australia and an impressive 65.35 from nine matches in England, where he struck three centuries. In New Zealand, he scored at an average of 27.71 across four games, including a hundred, while in South Africa, he averaged 36.14 over eight Tests. 

• Cheteshwar Pujara vs Sourav Ganguly – Who Contributed More to Wins After 103 Tests?

Cheteshwar Pujara proved to be a strong performer whenever India secured victories. Out of his 103 Tests, he played in 58 wins, contributing 4,408 runs from 96 innings at an excellent average of 50.66. In these winning causes, the dependable batter struck 13 centuries and 23 half-centuries. Interestingly, two of his tons came in defeats while four were scored in drawn games.

On the other hand, Sourav Ganguly’s impact in victories was relatively smaller. After 103 Tests, he featured in 33 wins, scoring 1,954 runs from 50 innings at an average of 46.52. He registered three centuries and 12 fifties in winning causes. Notably, 12 of his 15 Test hundreds at that stage came in drawn encounters.

Cheteshwar Pujara, regarded as India’s most reliable No.3 batter, has officially announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket. The veteran Saurashtra cricketer shared his decision with fans on Sunday, August 24, via social media.

Known for his calm temperament and remarkable consistency, Pujara built his career around patience and resilience at the crease. He became the backbone of India’s Test batting lineup, often standing tall against challenging bowling attacks and delivering crucial innings in pressure situations.

At 37, Pujara chose to bring the curtain down on his illustrious domestic and international journey. His retirement marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy that inspired young cricketers across India to value determination and discipline in batting.

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Cheteshwar Pujara Announces His Retirement Through Social Media:

Cheteshwar Pujara had an outstanding Test career, playing 103 matches and amassing 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60. His record features 19 centuries and 35 fifties. Additionally, he represented India in five ODIs, where he managed to score 51 runs.

Pujara took to Instagram to announce his retirement, expressing heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported him throughout his career. In his message, he thanked teammates, coaches, fans, and family for their constant encouragement, highlighting the role each played in shaping his journey in cricket.

He wrote, “ Wearing the Indian jersey, singing the anthem, and trying my best each time I stepped on the field - it’s impossible to put into words what it truly meant. But as they say, all good things must come to an end, and with immense gratitude I have decided to retire from all forms of Indian cricket. Thank you for all the love and support!”

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Cheteshwar Pujara (@cheteshwar_pujara)

5 Cricketers Who Featured in U-19 World Cup with Pujara:

Before becoming a mainstay in international cricket, Cheteshwar Pujara rose to prominence during the 2006 Under-19 World Cup. India ended as runners-up in that edition, while Pujara stood out with exceptional performances. Across six matches, he scored 349 runs at an astonishing average of 116.33 and a strike rate of 82.11, registering two half-centuries and a brilliant hundred.

That tournament showcased Pujara’s immense talent and temperament at a young age. Alongside him, several other promising cricketers also featured in the competition. On that note, here’s a look at five players you might not know who played with him in the 2006 Under-19 World Cup.

• Piyush Chawla

Leg-spinner Piyush Chawla was part of the Indian team that made it to the final of the 2006 Under-19 World Cup. He emerged as the side’s most effective bowler, claiming 13 wickets in six matches. Chawla’s performances stood out with an impressive average of 12.15 and a strike rate of 22.69, including best bowling figures of 4/8 in the tournament.

In June this year, Chawla decided to retire from all formats of cricket, ending a long career. At the international level, he featured in 35 matches for India across formats and went on to take 43 wickets, leaving behind memorable contributions as a spinner.

• Eoin Morgan

Eoin Morgan, the former England skipper, was also part of the 2006 Under-19 World Cup, where he captained the Ireland side. He had an outstanding campaign with the bat, finishing as the tournament’s second-highest run-getter after Cheteshwar Pujara. In six innings, Morgan piled up 338 runs at an average of 67.60 and a strike rate of 85.35, which included two fifties and a brilliant century.

Morgan began his international journey with Ireland, making his ODI debut against Scotland in 2006. However, in 2009, he switched to England, where he went on to play 356 matches across formats. Over his career, he scored 10,115 runs with 59 half-centuries and 15 hundreds, famously leading England to their first-ever ODI World Cup win in 2019.

• Sunil Narine

Sunil Narine was a member of the West Indies squad in the 2006 Under-19 World Cup, sharing the stage with future stars like Kieron Pollard and Kemar Roach. During the tournament, Narine featured in five matches and managed to pick up seven wickets. He finished with a bowling average of 30.00 and a strike rate of 37.71, showcasing glimpses of his talent.

Narine later became a key figure for the West Indies at the senior level, playing 122 international games across formats. Over the course of his career, he claimed 165 wickets at an average of 26.61, which included four five-wicket hauls. After years of service to West Indies cricket, he announced his retirement from international cricket in 2023.

• Colin Munro

Colin Munro, the left-handed batter from New Zealand, was part of the 2006 Under-19 World Cup squad. In the tournament, he played five matches and contributed with the ball as well, taking four wickets. His bowling efforts came at an average of 34.00 and a strike rate of 34.75, highlighting his role as a handy all-round option for the team.

Munro later carved out a notable international career with the Black Caps, representing New Zealand in 123 matches across formats. Over that period, he scored 3,010 runs at an average of 27.87, which included 19 half-centuries and three centuries. In May 2024, the aggressive left-hander announced his retirement from international cricket, ending a memorable career.

• David Warner

The last player on this list is former Australian opener David Warner. David Warner featured in the 2006 Under-19 World Cup, appearing in five matches and batting in four innings. He scored 91 runs at an average of 30.33, striking at 131.88. His best performance included a quick half-century that highlighted his aggressive batting style.

Warner went on to enjoy a legendary international career for Australia, representing his country in 383 matches across all formats. Over the years, he accumulated 18,995 runs at an impressive average of 42.39. His record includes 98 half-centuries and 49 centuries, establishing him as one of Australia’s finest openers. He bid farewell to international cricket following the conclusion of the 2024 T20 World Cup.

The stats are the evidence of how Cheteswar Pujara used to be a key figure for India in the Whites. With the copybook skills combined with determination, the recently retired batter could stand strong on the track for hours. There is no wonder why cricket fans compare Pujara with Rahul Dravid.

In a recently published stat report by ESPNcricinfo is the document of Pujara’s widely discussed resiliency. The stat card shows the top overseas cricketers in Australia since 1990 who took the most balls per dismissal. Cheteswar Pujara is at the top of the tally. According to the numbers, the former India international played most balls as an overseas batter in Australia before getting out. He is a short distance away from the second-place holder of the list, who is another legend of the game, Gary Kirsten, a former South African cricketer.

In Australia, the former Indian played 126.5 balls on average before going back to the pavilion. In 21 innings in the land of kangaroos, he firmly piled his batting average to 47.28. Since 1990, Indian cricket has seen many icons, great figures in cricket. Among so many talents, capturing the top place in a list of records reflects on the Rajkot-born’s legacy.

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Rahul Dravid is also on the list, but in the number 4 position, after Pujara, Kirsten, and Jacques Kallis. Dravid, ‘The Wall,’ claimed an average of 41.64 in Australia, and he took 105.2 per dismissal.

List of top 5 overseas batters in Australia since 1990 who are known for their stubbornness while batting:

Former India bowler Karsan Ghavri said that Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara may have retired out of frustration. The 74-year-old felt that any player would feel upset if he was not given a chance after playing for such a long time. He added that in the end, it is always the player who suffers when such things happen.

Pujara, 37, who scored 7195 runs with 19 centuries, announced his retirement on Sunday through social media. Ghavri also said that star batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma may have left Test cricket for the same reason. He felt that Pujara, Kohli, and Rohit all deserved a farewell Test at the very least. But, according to him, the BCCI did not try to give these great players a proper farewell to their Test careers.

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Ghavri on Pujara’s Retirement

On this, Ghavri told Mid-Day: “It’s possible, he [Pujara] may have retired out of frustration. After playing for the country for so long, if a player is not getting chances, anyone will feel upset. Similarly, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma must have felt the same frustration before the recent England tour. The BCCI may have their own reasons, but in the end, the player suffers. These players are not asking for money. It is about respect, and they all deserved a farewell Test, 110 per cent.”

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Farewell Test for 100+ Matches

A common thing in the last four Test retirements is that no farewell match was given to honour their careers. Ghavri said that any player who has played more than 100 Tests should be given a farewell game.

“All those who have played 100 Tests should get a farewell match. The BCCI should have given this honour to Kohli, Rohit, and Pujara. They have given so much to Indian cricket. No one wants to finish their career like this. Playing 100 or more Tests is a big contribution. Pujara belongs to that special list,” Ghavri said.

Pujara played 103 Tests for India between 2010 and 2023. He scored 7195 runs at an average of 43.60 with 19 hundreds and 35 fifties. He also made three double centuries and was known for his grit and patient batting style. The 37-year-old played many brave and match-saving innings for India in red-ball cricket.