Veteran Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara has finally opened up about his long-standing absence from the Indian Premier League (IPL), admitting that while he missed out on lucrative contracts and the spotlight of T20 cricket, he has no regrets. In a heartfelt reflection following his retirement from all forms of cricket on August 24, 2025, Pujara said he feels proud of his contributions to Indian Test cricket and the legacy he leaves behind.
Speaking at a media interaction and in a recent interview, Pujara said, “I did miss out on IPL contracts, but I don’t regret it. The appreciation from around the world means a lot because it’s not just my journey, it’s that of my family, my extended family, friends. I’m at peace that I’ve played for India for such a long time.”
🧭 Cheteshwar Pujara’s IPL Journey: A Timeline of Missed Opportunities
| Year | Team(s) Represented | Matches Played | Runs Scored | Strike Rate | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008–2010 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 6 | 106 | 100.95 | Early exposure, limited chances |
| 2011–2013 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 13 | 258 | 110.25 | Moderate success |
| 2014 | Kings XI Punjab | 6 | 89 | 97.80 | Struggled to adapt |
| 2021 | Chennai Super Kings | 0 | — | — | Bought but not played |
| 2015–2020 | — | Unsold | — | — | No takers despite Test success |
Despite being part of four franchises, Pujara played only 30 IPL matches, scoring 390 runs at an average of 20.52 and a strike rate of 99.74.
🔍 Pujara’s Perspective: Test Cricket Over T20 Spotlight
Pujara’s comments reflect a deep-rooted belief in the value of classical cricket. He acknowledged that the IPL’s format didn’t suit his style, but emphasized that his Test performances—especially in challenging overseas conditions—were his true calling.
| Quote from Pujara | Context / Implication |
|---|---|
| “I’m proud of performing in difficult conditions…” | Reference to Gabba 2021, England 2018, Australia 2017 |
| “Parents can now see a future in cricket…” | Hope for young cricketers beyond T20 |
| “I feel proud that a cricketer from Saurashtra played more than 100 Tests” | Regional pride and legacy |
He also highlighted that his journey from Rajkot to 103 Test matches was a testament to perseverance and belief in red-ball cricket.
📉 IPL Snub: Impact on Career and Retirement Decision
While Pujara remained a consistent performer in domestic and county cricket, the lack of IPL contracts and national team recalls eventually influenced his decision to retire.
| Factor | Impact on Pujara’s Career |
|---|---|
| IPL Absence | Limited visibility, reduced brand value |
| Test Team Dropping (2023) | Post-WTC Final exclusion |
| Duleep Trophy Omission (2024) | Signaled end of domestic selection chances |
| County Success (Sussex) | Continued form, but no India recall |
According to reports, these repeated snubs were decisive in his retirement call.
🔥 Fan Reactions and Social Media Sentiment
Pujara’s retirement and his comments on the IPL have sparked emotional responses across platforms. Many fans praised his humility and dedication to Test cricket.
| Platform | Sentiment Summary | Trending Hashtags |
|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | Nostalgic, respectful | #ThankYouPujara, #TestLegend |
| Tribute posts, career highlights | #Pujara103Tests | |
| YouTube Comments | Support for his stance on IPL | “True gentleman of the game” |
His Gabba innings and role in India’s overseas wins were widely shared as defining moments.
🧠 Expert Opinions on Pujara’s IPL Absence
| Expert Name | Role | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Harsha Bhogle | Cricket Analyst | “Pujara’s value was never in strike rate, but in grit.” |
| Sunil Gavaskar | Former India Captain | “He was the wall when India needed it most.” |
| Lisa Sthalekar | Former Australia Captain | “His Test legacy will outlast any T20 record.” |
Experts agree that while IPL exposure matters, Pujara’s contributions to Indian cricket are irreplaceable.
📦 Pujara’s Test Career Milestones
| Year | Milestone / Achievement | Match / Series |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Test Debut | vs Australia, Bangalore |
| 2012 | First Double Century | vs England, Ahmedabad |
| 2018 | Man of the Series | vs Australia (Border-Gavaskar Trophy) |
| 2021 | Gabba Heroics | 56 off 211 balls, India won series 2–1 |
| 2022 | 100th Test Match | vs Bangladesh, Chattogram |
Pujara ends his career with 103 Tests, 7,254 runs, 19 centuries, and a batting average of 44.88.
📌 Conclusion
Cheteshwar Pujara’s candid reflection on missing out on IPL contracts is not a lament—it’s a reaffirmation of his values. In an era dominated by T20 flair, Pujara stood tall as a symbol of patience, technique, and resilience. His legacy, built on stonewalling the world’s best attacks and anchoring India’s greatest overseas wins, will inspire generations. While the IPL spotlight may have eluded him, the respect he commands across cricketing circles is unmatched.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available interviews and media reports as of September 2, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute selection advice, endorsement, or financial guidance.
