Veteran Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara on Sunday (August 24, 2025) retired from international cricket, bringing the curtains down on a splendid 15-year career. Since making his Test debut in 2010, Pujara has played 103 Test matches, amassing 7,195 runs, including 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries. During his playing days, he was part of India's many series victories, playing a pivotal role with his masterclass batting. Following Pujara's retirement, Indian pacer Jaydev Unadkat penned an emotional note, revealing an interesting tale.

"Hi Jaydev, this is Cheteshwar. I have had a word with Dada, and you have to go for the KKR trials. You are bowling very well, so keep it up.' This was our first conversation on the phone after one of our Ranji Trophy nets, where I was still a net bowler, back in 2010. Little did I know back then that we would become best mates and share some of our finest memories, and not just on the field," Unadkat wrote on X.

"Your grit and determination for the game is something that everyone talks about and will talk about for generations to come. And deservedly so. But there was that other side of you, the funnier/naughtier/louder side, where we fought (sometimes violently) for every FIFA battle and took the longest to play every hand at the card game and argued on absolutely silly topics. Today, when you are putting an end to your illustrious career, I am super proud, although a bit emotional. I am super proud to call you my senior first, my colleague second, and my brother to round it all off," Unadkat stated.

"Today when you are putting an end to your illustrious career, I am super proud, although a bit emotional. I am super proud to call you my senior first, my colleague second, and my brother to round it all off!

"I can keep going on and on, writing and remembering about all those wonderful days. But I will save it till I also call it a day and then we can both sit and reminisce the good old days!

"For now, I just want to congratulate you, Puja & Arvind Uncle for a journey that is nothing short of a fairy-tale. You are and will be an inspiration for generations!

Thank you, Chintu. See you soon," Unadkat added.

Pujara was also active in first-class cricket, playing 278 matches and scoring 21,301 runs. His highest score in first-class cricket remained 352. He scored 66 centuries and 81 half-centuries.