Cheteshwar Pujara, one of India’s most revered Test batters of the modern era, officially announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket on August 24, 2025, at the age of 37. Known for his unshakeable technique and ability to wear down world-class bowling attacks, Pujara shared the news via a heartfelt post on X, marking the end of an era in Indian red-ball cricket.
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
According to a report by India TV, Pujara’s estimated net worth stands at ₹24 crore (approximately $2.72 million) as of 2025. His earnings over the years have come from central contracts with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), IPL stints, and a select set of endorsement deals.
BCCI contract and salary structure
While Pujara’s presence in India’s white-ball setup was minimal, he remained a pillar in the Test team for over a decade. At his peak, he was included in BCCI’s prestigious A+ central contract category, which offers top-tier salaries. However, with his role narrowing to Tests only, he was eventually moved down to Grade B, which still offered a respectable annual income.
His final appearance for India came in the 2023 World Test Championship Final, after which the team began to transition to a younger core, resulting in his omission from future squads.
IPL earnings over the years
Though Pujara’s style wasn’t a natural fit for the IPL, he featured in around 30 matches across various franchises during his career. His last IPL contract was with Chennai Super Kings in 2021, although he didn’t make an appearance that season.
Here’s a breakdown of his IPL earnings:
| Year | Team | Salary (INR) | USD Equivalent (approx.) |
| 2009/10 | Kolkata Knight Riders | ₹1.3 crore | $147,475.89 |
| 2011 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | ₹3.2 crore | $363,017.58 |
| 2012 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | ₹70 lakh | $79,410.10 |
| 2013 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | ₹3.2 crore | $363,017.58 |
| 2014 | Punjab Kings | ₹1.9 crore | $215,541.69 |
| 2021 | Chennai Super Kings | ₹50 lakh | $56,721.50 |
Total IPL earnings: ₹10.9 crore (approx. $1.24 million USD)
Endorsements and brand associations
Despite maintaining a low-profile lifestyle, Pujara attracted a few key endorsement deals during his career. He was associated with:
- FantasyDangal (fantasy sports platform)
- SG (Sanspareils Greenlands) (cricket equipment manufacturer)
- Axabull (additional brand partner listed in public data)
His endorsements were selective but aligned well with his image as a disciplined, no-nonsense cricketer.
Personal life, property, and cars
Pujara is known for his humble, non-flashy persona off the field. However, he enjoys the comforts of success, owning a luxurious villa in Rajkot, Saurashtra, where he lives with his family.
His car collection includes:
- Audi
- Ford
These reflect his preference for practical luxury, rather than extravagance.
Career achievements and legacy
Pujara’s international career began in earnest after he rose through the ranks with the India Under-19 team. He made headlines during his debut U-19 Test in 2005 against England by scoring 211 runs, and was part of the squad for the 2006 ICC U-19 World Cup.
He made his senior Test debut on October 9, 2010, against Australia in Bangalore. Over the next decade, Pujara became the backbone of India’s batting lineup in Tests.
His most iconic performance came during the 2018–19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, where he scored three centuries and faced a record 1,258 deliveries across four Tests — the most by a visiting batter in a series in Australia — helping India win their first-ever Test series on Australian soil.
He played his final professional match in February 2025 for Saurashtra against Gujarat in the Ranji Trophy.
Conclusion
Cheteshwar Pujara may not have embraced the flash and flamboyance often associated with modern cricketers, but his legacy is deeply etched in Indian cricket’s Test history. With a net worth of ₹24 crore ($2.72 million USD), a modest but impactful IPL career, and carefully selected endorsements, Pujara’s journey is a reminder that quiet resilience can also lead to greatness — both on and off the field.
