India's greats hailed Cheteshwar Pujara's impact in Test cricket after the veteran batsman announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket on Sunday, bringing to an end an international sporting career that spanned over a decade.

Pujara has played in 103 Tests and five ODIs in his international career, last featuring for India in the World Test Championship 2023 final against Australia.

The batter made his Test debut for India in 2010 and throughout his playing journey racked up 7,195 Test runs at an average of 43.60 with 19 hundreds.

The 37-year-old joins former India captains Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma and spinner Ravichandran Ashwin from the same generation to quit Test cricket within the past year.

Pujara thrived on grinding down attacks and then feasting on them, the 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy remains one of the prime highlights of his career. In his 1258-ball marathon, Pujara scored 521 runs at 74.42 with three hundreds, the most in the series as India went on to record their first Test series win in Australia.

"Pujara, it was always reassuring to see you walk out at No.3. You brought calm, courage, and a deep love for Test cricket every time you played. Your solid technique, patience, and composure under pressure have been a pillar for the team," batting legend Sachin Tendulkar wrote on X.

"Out of many, the 2018 series win in Australia stands out, it wouldn't have been possible without your incredible resilience and match-winning runs. Congratulations on a wonderful career. Good luck for the next chapter. Enjoy your second innings!"

Meanwhile, India's head coach Gautam Gambhir and many other former cricketers also congratulated Pujara on a wonderful career.

"He stood tall when the storm raged, he fought when hope was fading. Congratulations, Pujji," Gambhir wrote on X.

On Sunday, Pujara said he was hanging up his boots, noting that "all good things must come to an end".

"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 said in a social media post.

"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.

"As a little boy from the small town of Rajkot, along with my parents, I set out to aim for the stars; and dreamt to be a part of the Indian cricket team," the cricketer continued.

"Little did I know then that this game would give me so much -- invaluable opportunities, experiences, purpose, love, and above all a chance to represent my state and this great nation."

Yuvraj Singh, the hero of India's 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup-winning teams, said Pujara was an outstanding Test player.

"Someone who always put his mind, body and soul for the country! Many congratulations on an outstanding career, Puji! See you on the other side! @cheteshwar1," Yuvraj wrote on X.

Pujara also played five one-day internationals but his solid defence and a remarkable ability to play marathon knocks made him an asset in Test cricket.

He demonstrated those skills most notably in 2018-19 when India registered their maiden Test series victory in Australia with player-of-the-series Pujara amassing 521 runs in seven innings.

Pujara batted a combined 11 hours in the opening Test in Adelaide scoring 123 and 71 as India won the series opener.

Former India captain Anil Kumble called Pujara a great ambassador.

"Congratulations on a fantastic career! You have been a great ambassador of this wonderful game @cheteshwar1," Kumble, who also coached an Indian side featuring Pujara, wrote on X.

"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." (With inputs from Reuters)

MENAFN24082025000049011007ID1109968668