Cheteshwar Pujaraone of the most respected and dependable batters in Indian Test cricket history, officially announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket on August 24. Known for his unwavering resolve and classical technique, Pujara’s career was built on the foundations of patience and endurance in the longest format of the game. However, his willingness to step outside his comfort zone and embrace the fast-paced world of the Indian Premier League showcased a different side of his cricketing personality. While his Test legacy is monumental, his IPL journey was a short, scattered affair that nonetheless highlighted his adaptability and the respect he commanded from franchises.

Cheteshwar Pujara’s surprise IPL return with CSK but no games

While Pujara’s Test career was defined by colossal numbers and records, his time in the IPL tells a very different story. Despite his modest statistics in the T20 format, his consistent presence in the tournament reflected his strong intent to adapt to cricket’s most dynamic version. A significant part of his IPL story is his association with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2021, although he played no games for the franchise.

There was a moment of collective delight and a round of applause at the IPL 2021 Player Auction when CSK successfully bought Pujara, adding the Indian Test specialist to their squad. Picked at his base price of INR 50 lakhs in February, Pujara’s return to the league was a significant event, as he hadn’t featured in an IPL game since the 2014 edition.

His reputation as a prodigious scorer on the domestic circuit and a player with big-match temperament on the international stage, where he scored a double century and a century in consecutive Tests against a potent England attack in 2012, preceded his arrival. His inclusion in a side known for its veteran players was seen as a move to add a reliable and experienced head to the lineup, highlighting the respect he commanded despite his long absence from the format.

Not CSK! Check out the 3 IPL teams Cheteshwar Pujara truly played for

1.Kolkata Knight Riders (2010)

Pujara’s journey in the IPL began with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2010. Making his debut under the captaincy of the former Indian cricketer Sourav Gangulythis was Pujara’s first taste of T20 franchise cricket. In a season where he was trying to establish his place in the format, he featured in 10 matches for the team, scoring 122 runs. While these numbers were modest, his time with KKR was a crucial part of his cricketing education, exposing him to a different pace and style of play that was a stark contrast to his Test cricket background. This initial stint laid the groundwork for his brief but determined efforts to adapt his game.

2. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2011–2013)

Following his debut season, Pujara moved to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)where he spent three consecutive seasons from 2011 to 2013. During his tenure with RCB, he featured in 14 matches, scoring 143 runs. This period of his career was one of transition, as he was part of a major franchise but often found himself on the fringes of the playing XI. Despite the limited opportunities, his presence in a star-studded lineup that included some of the world’s best T20 players allowed him to train and learn from the very best, further honing his skills for the shortest format.

3. Kings XI Punjab (2014)

Pujara’s final active season in the IPL came in 2014 with Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings). This season was arguably his most significant in the T20 league, as he was given the opportunity to open the batting alongside the explosive Virender Sehwag. This partnership showcased a different, more aggressive side of his batting, as he played in six games and scored 125 runs. His time with KXIP was his last real attempt to make a mark in the IPL, and it demonstrated his persistent effort to reinvent his game. Following this season, he would go unsold for several years before his eventual return to the league with the Chennai Super Kings in 2021, though he would not get to play a match for them.