Cheteshwar Pujara retired from all cricket in August 2025 after a stellar Test career that made him India's rock in red-ball cricket.
Cheteshwar Pujara was born on January 25, 1988, in Rajkot, Gujarat, and stands as one of India’s most trusted and technically refined Test batsmen. Nicknamed the modern-day wall, Pujara earned his reputation through his classic, patient batting style. He debuted in Test cricket in 2010 against Australia and steadily cemented his place in India’s longest format squad. His standout performances during the 2018–19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia proved pivotal, as he absorbed over 1,200 deliveries across four Tests to anchor India’s historic series triumph. Pujara’s contributions to red-ball cricket highlight the excellence of his career. He announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on August 24, 2025, bringing an end to the era of the modern wall and one of the most decorated Test careers. Cheteshwar Pujara is among India’s most resilient and technically skilled Test batsmen. Making his Test debut in 2010 against Australia, he evolved into a key figure in India’s red-ball team, often excelling in challenging overseas conditions. While he never played T20 internationals and had only a short ODI career, his value in Test cricket was unparalleled. Standing at around 5 feet 6 inches tall, Pujara also completed a BBA degree while climbing the cricketing ladder. Off the field, he is a committed family man, married to Puja Pabari, with whom he shares a daughter. As of 2025, Cheteshwar Pujara’s net worth is approximately USD 3 million. Cheteshwar Pujara hails from a modest Hindu Brahmin family in Rajkot, Gujarat. He is often spotted at Hindu religious sites with his family, seeking blessings. Cheteshwar Pujara grew up in a modest household in Rajkot, Gujarat. His father, Arvind Pujara, a former first-class cricketer, was more than a parent to him; he served as his first coach and guiding force. His mother, Reena Pujara, offered unwavering support, though she passed away from cancer when he was just 17. In 2013, he married Puja Pabari, and the couple now lives happily with their daughter, Aditi, born in 2018. Arvind Pujara, Cheteshwar’s father, played a massive role in shaping his cricket career from the very beginning. Having competed in first-class cricket for Saurashtra, Arvind possessed deep cricketing knowledge and took on the role of coach and mentor for Cheteshwar. Cheteshwar Pujara’s mother, Reena, was a pillar of love and support in his life. Unfortunately, she lost her battle with cancer when Cheteshwar was only 17, a moment that left a deep impact on him. Her memory and influence remain integral to who he is today. There is no verifiable information about Cheteshwar Pujara’s brother. Multiple reports confirm he is an only child. Cheteshwar Pujara does not have any sisters or other siblings. Cheteshwar Pujara wore jersey number 15 throughout his international and domestic cricket career, including in various leagues. Cheteshwar Pujara enjoys a close bond with his wife, Puja Pabari, whom he married in 2013. Puja, who holds qualifications in management and HR, has been a steady source of encouragement in Pujara’s life. In 2018, their family grew with the birth of their daughter, Aditi. In a unique move beyond sports, Pujara and his wife launched Puja’s first book, The Diary of a Cricketer’s Wife: A Very Unusual Memoir, in which Puja shares her experiences as the spouse of one of India’s most composed and disciplined players. The book reveals the sacrifices, extended separations, and behind-the-scenes realities of life married to a cricketer. Puja Pabari, Cheteshwar Pujara’s wife, holds a background in management and HR. She stepped back from her professional career after their 2013 marriage to fully support Cheteshwar’s demanding cricketing schedule. Cheteshwar Pujara made his international debut in October 2010 against Australia in Bangalore. He quickly established himself as a dependable middle-order batsman, especially when the team required stability. One of his most unforgettable innings came during the 2018 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Adelaide, where he battled through more than eight hours to score a gritty double century, finishing with 202 runs. That performance was crucial in securing India’s historic series win in Australia. Cheteshwar Pujara’s career flourished in Test cricket, where he served as India’s backbone for many years. He played 103 matches, remained unbeaten 11 times, and compiled over 7,000 runs at an average of 43.6. His highest Test score reached 206 not out. Across Tests, he faced more than 16,000 deliveries with a consistent strike rate just above 44. With 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries, along with 863 fours and 16 sixes, he proved his reputation as the modern wall. In contrast, his ODI career remained limited, totaling just five matches and 51 runs. He is the 13th Indian to play 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), overtaking icons like Brian Lara. Some of his finest innings include a determined 202 against Australia in Ranchi, a marathon 206* against England in Ahmedabad, and a resilient 56 at the Gabba during India’s iconic win in 2021. He is also one of the rare Indian players to have batted on all five days of a Test match. What is Cheteshwar Pujara’s age and birthday? Cheteshwar Pujara is 37 years old. He was born on January 25, 1988. Cheteshwar Pujara shares a warm relationship with his wife, Puja Pabari, whom he married in 2013. Puja, who has a background in management and HR. What is Cheteshwar Pujara’s net worth and salary? Cheteshwar Pujara’s net worth, as of 2025, is estimated at around ₹24 crore, roughly equivalent to USD 3 million. He held a Grade A central contract, earning ₹5 crore annually, in addition to match fees of ₹15 lakh per Test. What are Cheteshwar Pujara’s career achievements? One of his standout moments came during the 2018–19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, where he was named Player of the Series after amassing 521 runs across four Tests. For his contributions, he was awarded the Arjuna Award in 2022. All images used are for editorial purposes only. License solely with Getty/Source.