India batter Pujara ends international career

India batter Cheteshwar Pujara has announced his retirement from international cricket.

The 37-year-old played 103 Tests but has not featured for his nation since the 2023 World Test Championship final.

Pujara scored 7,195 runs, including 19 hundreds, after making his Test debut in 2010.

"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," Pujara wrote on social media.

"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!"

Pujara has remained active in domestic cricket, as well as county cricket in England.

His decision comes after former India captains Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma and spinner Ravichandran Ashwin retired from Test cricket over the past year.

Former India captain Anil Kumble responded to the news on X: "Congratulations on a fantastic career! You have been a great ambassador of this wonderful game.

"We are all proud of all your achievements on the cricket field. You gave it your all for the team! It was a privilege to have worked with you and may you continue to shine in your second innings."

- Pujara’s best: Looking back at his finest knocks - 

(ICC) - 

Cheteshwar Pujara’s class stood out against top-notch bowling attacks across the conditions.

Cheteshwar Pujara’s grit and determination held India’s top and middle-order together for more than a decade, with the batter mixing his solid defense with positive strokeplay to get to 7,195 runs in the longest format.

Highly regarded as a team player, Pujara didn’t hesitate from challenging conditions, whether it be the turning tracks of the subcontinent or the fierce bounce of South Africa or Australia, and was ready to play any role that the side needed of him.

His 19 hundreds which are spread over six cricketing nations are a testament to his caliber as a batter.

Here’s a look at his finest batting performances over the years:

• 206* and 41* v England in Ahmedabad, 2012
• 153 v South Africa in Johannesburg, 2013
• 145* v Sri Lanka in Colombo, 2015
• 123 and 71 v Australia in Adelaide, 2018
• 50 and 77 in Sydney and 25 and 56 in Brisbane v Australia, 2021