NEW DELHI: August 24, 2025, marked the end of an era in Indian cricket as the team’s Test cricket wall, Cheteshwar Pujara, announced his retirement from all forms of the game. Out of the Test side for more than two years, Pujara confirmed his decision through a heartfelt post on social media, writing that "all good things must come to an end." Renowned for his grit and perseverance, Pujara was the batter who thrived on frustrating bowlers with his unyielding defence. Time and again, he rescued India from difficult situations, cementing his place as one of the most dependable pillars of the country's Test batting. Pujara played numerous memorable knocks in Test cricket that will be remembered among the finest in the longer format. But on the day of his retirement, if one has to pick a single innings, it would undoubtedly be his courageous 56 against Australia at the Gabba in January 2021. Wearing the Indian jersey, singing the anthem, and trying my best each time I stepped on the field - it’s impossible to put into words what it truly meant. But as they say, all good things must come to an end, and with immense gratitude I have decided to retire from all forms of… pic.twitter.com/p8yOd5tFyT — Cheteshwar Pujara (@cheteshwar1) August 24, 2025 The Gabba had always been Australia's fortress. For 32 long years, no visiting team had conquered it. And on that January morning in 2021, with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy tied 1-1, it seemed destined to remain unbroken. Pujara walked out at No. 3, calm as ever, even though the situation was tense. India were chasing 328 on the final day. For most, it looked like survival. For Pujara, it was about resistance. From the moment Pujara took guard, the Australian bowlers tested him with everything they had. Pat Cummins banged the ball short, Josh Hazlewood kept it tight, and Mitchell Starc attacked with raw pace. The ball kept hitting Pujara's body - on the ribs, arms, and shoulders. At one point, a bouncer even struck his helmet hard. He winced for a second, but calmly got back into position. That day, he wasn't playing for style. The elegant cover drives were rare, the flicks even rarer. His focus was simple - survive. And in surviving, he gave strength to his teammates. Every ball he absorbed gave confidence to Shubman Gill, who played his strokes freely, and later to Rishabh Pant, who finished the match in style. Pujara's 56 came off 211 balls. To some, it looked slow. But to those watching, it was pure courage. His body carried the bruises, yet his concentration never broke. By the time Pant hit the winning runs to end Australia's unbeaten run at the Gabba, the platform had already been built - brick by brick, ball by ball, by Pujara.