Cheteshwar Pujara retires! From 206 vs England to gritty 56 at Gabba - his top 5 greatest knocks

Cheteshwar Pujara, one of India’s most dependable Test batters of the modern era, announced his retirement from international cricket on Sunday. The 37-year-old, who last played for India in 2023, brought the curtains down on a career that spanned 103 Tests, yielding 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60.Known as the “new Wall” of Indian cricket after Rahul Dravid, Pujara built his reputation on resilience, patience, and a willingness to grind down the best bowling attacks in the world.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!As fans and teammates pay tribute to his contribution, here’s a look at five of Pujara’s finest Test knocks that defined his legacy.Pujara announced himself on the big stage with a marathon double hundred in just his sixth Test. Against an attack featuring James Anderson and Graeme Swann, he batted more than 500 minutes, scoring an unbeaten 206. His knock helped India to a comprehensive victory and showcased his ability to play long, match-defining innings early in his career.In one of the longest Test innings by an Indian, Pujara batted for over 11 hours to score 202 runs from 525 balls. On a deteriorating Ranchi pitch, he wore down Australia’s bowlers and helped India secure a draw, keeping the series alive. It was an epic display of concentration and grit that summed up Pujara’s batting philosophy.During India’s historic 2018-19 tour of Australia, Pujara stood tall with a brilliant 123 in the first Test at Adelaide.Facing 41/4, he weathered the storm against the Australian pace attack and stitched together India’s innings. His knock proved decisive as India went on to win the Test and eventually claim their first-ever Test series victory Down Under.In oppressive heat and humidity, Pujara’s 153 showcased his incredible fitness and endurance. Batting for more than eight hours, he dismantled Sri Lanka’s attack with patience and precision, guiding India to a big first-innings total and an eventual innings win. It was a classic Pujara effort: attritional yet invaluable.Statistically modest, but historically priceless. On the final day of the Gabba Test, Pujara’s 56 came at the cost of multiple blows to his body from the Australian pacers. His resilience wore down the attack and created the platform for Rishabh Pant to seal a famous victory, with India becoming the first Asian team to win a Test match at the Gabba. That innings embodied Pujara’s role as India’s shield, the man who stood tall while others went for glory.Cheteshwar Pujara leaves behind a legacy defined not by flashy stroke play but by sheer mental toughness, discipline, and unrelenting commitment to Test cricket. His farewell note summed it up best: “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.”