"As you bid goodbye to your first love.." Cheteshwar Pujara's wife Puja pens emotional note

Cheteshwar Pujara called time on his India career on August 24, 2025.

Cheteshwar Pujara officially announced his retirement from all formats of cricket on August 24, bringing down the curtain on a distinguished 13-year career with India.

Between 2010 and 2023, he represented India in 103 test matches, amassing 7,195 runs and registering 19 centuries. He also featured in five ODIs, scoring 51 runs.

His retirement did not come as a surprise, given his absence from the national team in recent years and the ongoing speculation about his future. On Sunday, Pujara confirmed his decision on X (formerly Twitter). Tributes poured in from past and present cricketers, while his wife, Puja Pabari, shared an emotional message on Monday.

In her message, she praised the 37-year-old’s calm and dignified journey in the sport.

“‘Be in the present, as the present is the present of the supreme presence’—a guiding principle of the Bhagavad Gita, which is something you have been living by for quite some time now, and I hope it continues to guide you in this next phase!

As you bid goodbye to your first love, passion, and the sport you love so much, I am glad you always gave it your all and played the game in your own calm and dignified way!” She posted on Instagram.

Cheteshwar Pujara and Puja Pabari were married on February 13, 2013, and welcomed a daughter in 2018, whom they named Aditi.

“I will miss cheering you on the field”—Pujara Pabari wishes Cheteshwar Pujara on life after cricket

In the same message, Puja also spoke about the challenges Cheteshwar Pujara will face in life after cricket. She stated that she would miss cheering him on the cricket field, but now was the time to make up for all the missed celebrations and trips.

“From knowing nothing about cricket to loving you and the sport through your eyes—your journey has been a true education in life’s lessons for me, and I couldn’t be more grateful to have gone through the highs and lows of your career together!

I will miss cheering you on the field, following the unshakeable routines, and at times maybe also the anxiousness before a match/series. For all the missed celebrations and adjustments made in order to prioritize cricket, let’s make up for it now,” she posted.

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A post shared by Puja (@puja_pabari)

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