Cheteshwar Pujara, India's renowned Test batsman, retired in August 2025 after a decorated career spanning over a decade.
Cheteshwar Pujara, born on January 25, 1988, in Rajkot, Gujarat, is widely recognized as one of India’s most reliable and technically proficient Test cricketers. Often referred to as the modern-day wall, Pujara built his reputation on a traditional, disciplined approach to batting. He debuted in Test cricket in 2010 against Australia and steadily became a cornerstone of India’s red-ball team. His standout performances during the 2018–19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, where he faced more than 1,200 deliveries across four Test matches, played a pivotal role in India’s historic series victory. His contributions to Test cricket reflect the brilliance of his illustrious career. Pujara announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on August 24, 2025, marking the end of an era for the modern wall and one of India’s most accomplished Test careers. Cheteshwar Pujara stands as one of India’s most dependable and technically gifted Test batsmen. He made his Test debut in 2010 against Australia and, over time, became an essential part of India’s red-ball squad, often delivering under challenging overseas conditions. While he never played in T20 internationals and had a limited ODI career, his value in Test cricket remained unmatched. Standing at approximately 5 feet 6 inches, Pujara earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree while climbing the ranks in cricket. Off the field, he is a dedicated family man, married to Puja Pabari, with whom he shares a daughter. As of 2025, Cheteshwar Pujara’s net worth is estimated to be around USD 3 million. Cheteshwar Pujara was raised in a modest Hindu Brahmin family in Rajkot, Gujarat. Frequently, he has been seen visiting Hindu religious sites alongside his family, seeking blessings. Cheteshwar Pujara hails from a humble background in Rajkot, Gujarat. His father, Arvind Pujara, a former first-class cricketer, has been more than just a parent to him; he also served as Cheteshwar’s first coach and mentor. His mother, Reena Pujara, provided unwavering support throughout his life, though she sadly passed away from cancer when he was 17 years old. In 2013, he tied the knot with Puja Pabari, and the couple now enjoys a joyful life together with their daughter, Aditi, born in 2018. Arvind Pujara, Cheteshwar’s father, has profoundly influenced his cricket journey from the beginning. Having played first-class cricket for Saurashtra, Arvind possessed deep cricketing knowledge and took on the role of coaching and mentoring Cheteshwar from a young age. Cheteshwar Pujara’s mother, Reena, was a loving presence in his life. Unfortunately, she passed away from cancer when Cheteshwar was just 17, a deeply challenging time for him. Her love and guidance continue to shape his character today. There is no verified information about Cheteshwar Pujara’s brother. Multiple reports indicate that he is an only child. Cheteshwar Pujara does not have any sisters or other siblings. Cheteshwar Pujara wore jersey number 15 during his international appearances for India. He also donned the same jersey number in domestic cricket and other leagues. Cheteshwar Pujara shares a close bond with his wife, Puja Pabari, whom he married in 2013. Puja, with a background in management and human resources, has been a steadfast supporter in Pujara’s life. In 2018, the couple welcomed their daughter, Aditi. Pujara and his wife, Puja, recently made a meaningful contribution beyond the cricket field with the release of Puja’s debut book, *The Diary of a Cricketer’s Wife: A Very Unusual Memoir*. Puja offers an intimate look into what it’s truly like to be married to one of India’s most composed and disciplined players, sharing insights into the sacrifices, long separations, and often unseen challenges of a cricketer’s life. Puja Pabari, Cheteshwar Pujara’s wife, holds a background in management and human resources. After their marriage in 2013, she chose to step away from her career to fully support Cheteshwar’s demanding cricketing journey. Cheteshwar Pujara’s international career began in October 2010 against Australia in Bangalore. He quickly established himself as a reliable figure in India’s middle order, particularly when the team required someone to stabilize the innings. One of his most memorable innings came during the 2018 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Adelaide, where he scored a determined double century, making 202 runs. He spent over eight hours at the crease, helping India post a strong total in difficult Australian conditions. That innings was instrumental in securing their historic series win in Australia. Cheteshwar Pujara’s brilliance shines brightest in Test cricket, where he has been a pillar for India over the years. He has featured in 103 matches, remained not out 11 times, and amassed over 7,000 runs at an impressive average of 43.6. His highest Test score is 206 not out. He has faced more than 16,000 deliveries in Tests with a consistent strike rate of just over 44. With 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries, along with numerous boundaries—863 fours and 16 sixes—he has repeatedly proven why he was known as the modern wall. In contrast, his ODI career was far less prominent, with only 5 matches and a total of 51 runs. He is the 13th Indian player to feature in 100 Test matches and holds the record for the most double centuries by an Indian in first-class cricket (18), as well as the most first-class hundreds by an Indian (66), surpassing legends like Brian Lara. Some of his finest innings include a resilient 202 against Australia in Ranchi, a marathon 206* against England in Ahmedabad, and a valiant 56 at the Gabba during India’s iconic 2021 win. He is also one of the rare Indian players to have batted on all five days of a Test match. Cheteshwar Pujara’s age and birth details are as follows: He is 37 years old and was born on January 25, 1988. Cheteshwar Pujara shares a close relationship with his wife, Puja Pabari, whom he married in 2013. Puja, with a background in management and human resources, has been a consistent source of support in his life. Cheteshwar Pujara’s net worth as of 2025 is estimated to be around ₹24 crore (approximately $3 million). He held a Grade A central contract, earning ₹5 crore annually, in addition to match fees of ₹15 lakh per Test. Cheteshwar Pujara’s career highlights include his standout performance during the 2018–19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, where he was awarded Player of the Series after accumulating 521 runs across four Tests. In recognition of his contributions, he received the Arjuna Award in 2022. All images used are for editorial purposes only and are licensed solely through Getty/Source.