Cheteshwar Pujara stands tall among India’s greatest Test batsmen, celebrated for his remarkable run-scoring ability, tireless concentration, and unmatched resilience at the crease. Throughout a career spanning nearly two decades, Pujara established records both internationally and in domestic cricket, leaving behind a legacy that every cricket specialist and fans admire.
International Cricket Records
Pujara’s journey in international cricket, especially in the Test arena, is a story of grit and determination. Making his debut in 2010, he went on to feature in 103 Test matches and scored 7,195 runs at a commendable average of 43.60. His tally includes 19 centuries and 35 fifties, with a career-best of 206* against England. Notably, he holds the record for facing 525 balls in a single Test innings, which is an achievement that underlines his patience and technical skillset.
While his ODI opportunities were limited to just 5 matches, yielding 51 runs, however his feats in Test cricket have placed him among the top ten Indian run-scorers of all time. Pujara was also the second-fastest Indian to reach 1,000 runs in Tests, often stepping up in overseas tours such as his memorable performances in South Africa and Australia.
Domestic Cricket Dominance
Pujara’s domestic career is legendary. Amassing 21,301 runs in first-class cricket, he finished with an astounding 66 centuries and 18 double hundreds as well as three triple centuries, ranking fourth globally for the most double hundreds in first-class matches. He is one of only two Indian batsmen to score three triple centuries in first-class cricket (the second is Ravindra Jadeja) , a testament to his temperament and skill.
His consistency for Saurashtra and other domestic sides set benchmarks, including the record for the most runs in a single Indian first-class season (1,605 runs in 2016-17). Pujara’s impact in domestic T20 competitions was pretty modest, but he did score a notable T20 century for Saurashtra.
Unique Achievements and Milestones
- Only Sunil Gavaskar, Rahul Dravid, and Sachin Tendulkar have total first-class runs by an Indian.
- Played a vital role in India’s overseas victories, leading to historic partnerships and match-winning innings.
- Led the run charts at the 2006 U19 World Cup and earned Player of the Tournament honor.
- Announced retirement on August 24, 2025, concluding his career as an icon of discipline, tenacity, and excellence in Indian cricket.
The Craftsman of the Indian Middle Order
Pujara’s diligent approach and technical mastery made him the backbone of India’s Test batting, a specialist number 3. In 103 Tests, he scored 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60. Numbers that echo the calmness he brought to the crease with 19 centuries, including some against the fiercest bowling attacks from Australia, England and South Africa overseas. Every Pujara innings felt like a lesson in patience and resolve. He faced 525 balls in a single Test innings in Australia, showcasing the rare ability to bat time and outlast opponents with his timeless defence, an achievement imprinted in cricketing folklore. He was the true successor of legendary Rahul Dravid in the Indian test team for the No. 3 position in test matches.
A Giant of Domestic Cricket, India and county cricket (England)
Pujara’s dominance wasn’t limited to international cricket. In domestic tournaments, he became synonymous with big scores and match-winning performances. He scored a mighty 21,301 first-class runs, the fourth highest tally for an Indian with 66 centuries and 18 double hundreds as well three triple centuries, which itself shows how much he loves batting. He holds the national record for most runs in a first-class season, proving his consistency across formats and conditions. He represented Saurastra (India) in FC and also played for multiple county teams like Yorkshire, Sussex, and Nottinghamshire. He even captained Sussex in FC and the limited-overs format.
Touching Hearts and Inspiring Generations
Beyond runs and milestones, Pujara’s legacy is absolutely about inspiration. He stood tall in overseas & domestic conditions, leading India’s resistance with memorable knocks in Australia and South Africa. His partnership-building and ability to grind bowlers down made him a hero for fans, his gritty knocks are keeping the memories intact in hardcore cricket fans, not only from India but worldwide.
Young cricketers looked up to his composure, grit, and humility. Whether tallying runs in the Ranji Trophy or being named Player of the Tournament at the Under-19 World Cup. His journey is a testimony to the power of hard work, discipline, and tremendous self-belief.
Pujara’s Enduring Legacy
As Pujara steps away from cricket, his story serves as a tribute to old-school Test match batting and the classic virtues that shaped India’s golden cricket eras. He is highly respected alongside living legends like Sunil Gavaskar and Rahul Dravid, not just for his records, but for showing that character defines greatness and inns that make India proud overseas.
Career Stats Table
Cheteshwar Pujara is more than just a cricketer; he symbolizes grit, perseverance, and the timeless values that define Indian Test cricket. From his debut in 2010 to his heartfelt retirement announcement in August 2025, Pujara’s journey is an inspiring tale of quiet determination and unwavering excellence.
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | 100s | 50s | Highest | Double 100s | Triple 100s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 103 | 7,195 | 43.60 | 19 | 35 | 206* | 3 | 0 |
| ODIs | 5 | 51 | 10.20 | 0 | 0 | 27 | 0 | 0 |
| First-Class | 278 | 21,301 | 51.82 | 66 | 81 | 352 | 18 | 3 |
Conclusion
Cheteshwar Pujara’s career is a celebration of cricket’s noblest ideals, determination, humility, grit, guts, and mastery. His records, stories, and spirit will forever live in the hearts of fans from India and worldwide who will keep inspiring generations to come. This tribute honors Pujara, the enduring pillar of Indian cricket and an architect of many unforgettable triumphs that fans will relive forever.
Courtesy: Sourabh Sanyal with the help of Google