Cheteshwar Pujara has finally brought the curtains down on his illustrious Test career, leaving behind a legacy built on grit, resilience, and unmatched concentration. Over 103 matches, he scored 7195 runs at an average of 43.60 with 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries. For more than a decade, he stood as the backbone of India’s batting in red-ball cricket, often producing innings that defined matches and series. He was never the flamboyant stroke maker, but his ability to wear down opposition attacks, absorb pressure, and provide stability made him irreplaceable in India’s Test setup. In many ways, Pujara embodied the traditional essence of Test cricket, showcasing that patience and determination still have a place in the modern game. From epic battles against Australia to grinding knocks in England and South Africa, his contributions were priceless. As he retires, we revisit five of his finest innings that underline his greatness.

1) 56 vs Australia, Gabba 2021

India’s historic victory at the Gabba to seal the Border-Gavaskar Trophy will always be remembered, and Pujara’s 4th innings effort was at the heart of it. Chasing 328 on a wearing surface against a full-strength Australian attack, Pujara scored just 56 runs, but every ball he faced carried enormous value. He absorbed a barrage of short-pitched bowling, wearing multiple body blows from Cummins, Hazlewood, and Starc. His 211-ball vigil allowed others like Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant to play with freedom, knowing India’s rock would hold one end. Though not a big score by number, it was an innings of immense character and courage, laying the foundation for India’s famous win that ended Australia’s 32-year unbeaten streak at the Gabba.

2) 77 vs Australia, Sydney 2021

The Sydney Test of 2021 is often spoken of as one of India’s bravest rearguards, and Pujara was again central to it. Chasing 407 for victory, India’s real aim was survival on the final day. Pujara made 77 from 205 balls, absorbing relentless pressure from Australia’s attack while keeping India afloat. His stoic approach frustrated the bowlers and created the platform for Rishabh Pant’s counterattacking 97, followed by Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin’s gritty blockathon. What stood out in this innings was Pujara’s refusal to be rattled, taking blows on his body but rarely losing focus. His knock was the glue that held India together, ensuring the team escaped with a draw that felt as good as a win and kept the series alive.

3) 202 vs Australia, Ranchi 2017

In Ranchi 2017, Pujara played one of the most marathon innings in Indian Test history, scoring 202 runs off a staggering 525 balls against Australia. It remains the longest innings ever played by an Indian in terms of deliveries faced. With India under pressure, Pujara’s determination frustrated the Australians and slowly swung momentum India’s way. His 199-run partnership with Wriddhiman Saha was crucial in helping India take control of the Test. It was not just about runs, but about draining the opposition mentally and physically. Pujara’s ability to bat session after session without giving chances epitomised his old-school Test values. Though the match ended in a draw, his innings showcased why he was considered India’s ultimate workhorse in the middle order.

4) 206* vs England, Ahmedabad 2012

Cheteshwar Pujara announced himself to the cricketing world with a monumental 206 not out against England in Ahmedabad in 2012. Batting for over 500 minutes, he showed maturity far beyond his years, constructing a double century that combined patience with precise shot selection. Against a strong England attack featuring Anderson and Swann, Pujara displayed flawless temperament, never rushing and always playing close to his body. His innings helped India pile up a huge total and take full control of the Test, which they eventually won by nine wickets. This knock not only secured him the Man of the Match award but also signalled the arrival of a batter capable of filling the void left by Rahul Dravid in India’s Test middle order.

5) 153 vs South Africa, Johannesburg 2013

Against a quality South African pace attack in their own backyard, Pujara produced a gem of an innings in Johannesburg in 2013. He scored 153 runs, showcasing not just his defensive technique but also his ability to rotate strike and punish loose deliveries. What made this innings special was the 222-run stand he shared with Virat Kohli, which remains one of India’s finest partnerships overseas. On a lively Wanderers pitch, Pujara’s composure against Steyn, Morkel, and Philander was exceptional. His knock put India in a position of strength and ensured the game ended in a hard-fought draw. It was a performance that underlined his credentials as India’s overseas banker and earned admiration from fans and critics alike.

Cheteshwar Pujara’s retirement leaves a void that will not be easily filled. In an age dominated by fast scoring and white ball flamboyance, he was a reminder of the value of patience, discipline, and mental toughness. His top innings against Australia, England, and South Africa were not just about the runs he scored but about the way he defied world-class bowling attacks, session after session, often turning matches in India’s favour. He played the role of India’s wall with unwavering determination, inspiring teammates and frustrating opponents with his grit. For a generation of cricket lovers, Pujara represented the timeless charm of Test cricket, proving that resilience is as important as flair. As he bows out quietly, without the fanfare of a farewell match, fans will remember him as the rock who stood firm when it mattered the most. His legacy will inspire young cricketers for years to come.