Reports last week indicated that Cheteshwar Pujara was keen to play in the 2025 Ranji Trophy, but the 37-year-old dismissed the speculation by declaring his retirement from all formats.
Cheteshwar Pujara, often called India’s wall after the wall, announced his retirement from all formats of cricket on Sunday, August 24. For over a decade, he was one of India’s finest Test batters. Reflecting on his career, Cheteshwar Pujara said it was both a dream and an honour to represent the country at the highest level, and he felt satisfied with his achievements. The move came as a surprise, especially since just a week earlier a report had suggested he was willing to play in the 2025 Ranji Trophy.
Explaining his decision, Pujara told that it was entirely his personal choice. “I felt this is the right time, particularly because younger players should now get opportunities in domestic cricket. Initially, I thought of playing this Ranji season, but later I realised giving youngsters a chance would help them prepare earlier. That’s why I made this call,” he said.
While he did not speak much about his absence from the national team in recent years—his last appearance being in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia—Pujara expressed pride in what he achieved. Over 103 Tests, he scored 7,195 runs, often battling top bowling attacks, enduring blows, and wearing down opponents with his trademark patience and resilience.
“For about a week, I kept thinking this was the right time. So, when I made the decision today, it was a proud moment for me and my family. I am grateful to all my teammates, coaches, and support staff I worked with. Playing for India was always my dream, and fulfilling it for so many years gave me countless memories,” Pujara said. He highlighted India’s historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph in Australia in 2018–19 as the most cherished moment of his career.