Pujara Calls Time on Cricket Career

KARACHI: Veteran Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara has declared his retirement from all forms of cricket. This decision follows his omission from the recent Test series against England and the Duleep Trophy squad, according to reports in the Indian media.

An Indian media outlet, quoting a source, indicated that the 37-year-old had initially planned to conclude his international journey after the series. However, not being selected for the Duleep Trophy prompted him to retire from all formats of the game.

The source also pointed to Pujara’s absence from the Indian Premier League (IPL) as a significant factor influencing his decision.

“If he had been chosen for the England Test series, Pujara might have considered retiring after the fifth Test. A major aspect of his retirement is his non-participation in the IPL,” the source stated.

“The Test snub and the Duleep Trophy snub made continuing in domestic cricket for Saurashtra less appealing,” the source added.

Pujara officially announced his retirement from Indian cricket on Sunday.

Having debuted in 2010, Cheteshwar Pujara played in 103 Tests and five ODIs for the national team. He accumulated 7,195 runs in Test matches at an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries.

His home average stood at an impressive 52.58, with 3,839 runs scored. His final Test match was the World Test Championship final against Australia in June 2023 at The Oval.

He is also among a select group of Indian cricketers, including ML Jaisimha and Ravi Shastri, who have batted on each of the five days of a Test match.