Cheteshwar Pujara is one of India’s strongest Test cricketers. People call him “The New Wall” because he defends his wicket just like Rahul Dravid did. Pujara is famous for playing long innings and saving tough matches for India.
His journey is all about patience, hard work, and love for Test cricket. He did not play many flashy shots like T20 stars, but he earned respect for his solid style. This article tells you about his full life — his family, education, wife, daughter, career, controversies, and where he stands in 2025.
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cheteshwar Arvind Pujara |
| Nickname | Chintu, The New Wall |
| Profession | Indian Cricketer (Test Specialist) |
| Date of Birth | 25 January 1988 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 37 Years |
| Birthplace | Rajkot, Gujarat, India |
| Hometown | Rajkot, Gujarat, India |
| Current City | Rajkot, Gujarat |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches (approx.) |
| Weight | Around 71 kg (approx.) |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Education | Lal Bahadur Shastri Vidyalaya & J.J. Kundalia College |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife’s Name | Puja Pabari |
| Children | Daughter: Aditi Pujara |
| Father’s Name | Arvind Pujara (Former Cricketer & Coach) |
| Mother’s Name | Late Reena Pujara |
| Domestic Team | Saurashtra |
| County Team | Sussex (England County Cricket) |
| International Debut | Test debut vs Australia, Oct 2010 |
| Career Highlight | Player of the Series in Australia 2018–19 |
| Recent Form | Playing Ranji Trophy & County Cricket (2024–2025) |
| Favourite Shot | Cover Drive |
| Hobbies | Reading, Meditation, Spending Time with Family |
| Controversies | Criticism for slow strike rate in Tests |
| Future Goal | Mentor young players & grow red-ball cricket in India |
Early Life of Cheteshwar Pujara
Cheteshwar Pujara was born on 25 January 1988 in Rajkot, Gujarat, India. His father, Arvind Pujara, was also a first-class cricketer. His mother, Reena Pujara, always wanted him to study well but also loved his cricket dreams.
Pujara started playing cricket when he was just 5 years old. His father trained him at the local ground in Rajkot. His father taught him the basics — how to leave balls, defend straight, and play with a calm mind.
Sadly, Pujara lost his mother to cancer when he was just 17. That pain made him stronger. He says his mother’s blessings are always with him when he bats for India.
Education: Studies and Cricket Together
Cheteshwar Pujara studied at Lal Bahadur Shastri Vidyalaya in Rajkot. He finished his school even while traveling for matches. Later, he did his Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree from J.J. Kundalia College.
His father made sure he did not skip studies. Pujara says education helped him stay disciplined and gave him patience for long innings.
Cheteshwar Pujara’s Cricket Career: A Story of Grit
Domestic Cricket Star
Pujara’s big break came in 2006 when he scored a triple century in an Under-19 match. Soon he made his Ranji Trophy debut for Saurashtra. He smashed big scores every season. His technique was rock-solid. He learned to play spin and fast bowling equally well.
In 2012, Pujara scored more than 2000 runs in first-class cricket. He became the main pillar of Saurashtra’s batting line-up.
Test Debut for India
Pujara made his Test debut for India in October 2010 against Australia. He replaced Rahul Dravid in the batting order at number 3. He scored a fighting half-century and helped India win that Test in Bangalore.
Since then, Pujara became India’s new wall. His best innings came in overseas Tests. In the 2018–19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, he scored 521 runs in 4 Tests. His centuries helped India win the series. He won the Player of the Series award too.
Pujara’s County Cricket & 2025 Comeback
When Pujara was dropped from India’s squad in 2022 for a short time, he did not sit idle. He went to England and played county cricket for Sussex. There, he scored double centuries and proved his class.
In 2023, he returned to the Indian Test team against Bangladesh and again showed his value. In 2024–2025, Pujara continues to play domestic cricket and county cricket. He wants to stay ready if India calls him again for Tests.
Cheteshwar Pujara Height, Weight & Fitness
Pujara is 5 feet 11 inches tall (around 180 cm). He weighs about 71 kg. He is not bulky like some power hitters but his strength is his stamina. He trains daily with running, yoga, and long batting sessions. He eats simple home food and avoids junk.
His fitness plan is all about staying injury-free and playing long innings. He says mental strength is as important as physical strength for a Test batsman.
Cheteshwar Pujara Age in 2025
Pujara was born on 25 January 1988, so he is 37 years old in 2025. Even at this age, he is one of India’s most experienced Test players. He says he wants to keep playing first-class cricket as long as his body supports him.
Cheteshwar Pujara’s Wife & Family Life
Cheteshwar Pujara is a family man. He married Puja Pabari in February 2013. It was an arranged marriage. Puja is a management graduate and supports him at every step.
They have a cute daughter named Aditi, born in 2018. Pujara often shares pictures of his daughter and wife on social media. He says his family keeps him happy and calm during tough tours.
Pujara’s father, Arvind, still guides him with his batting. He watches his matches and gives honest feedback. His family stands by him even when critics question his slow strike rate.
Controversies: Trolls and Criticism
Cheteshwar Pujara is known for staying away from big controversies. But he does face trolling sometimes. Fans blame him for scoring too slow in modern cricket. Some former players said his strike rate puts pressure on others.
Pujara always replies with performances. He says, “I trust my game. I know how to score runs for my team. People will always have opinions.”
Once in 2020, there was a rumour that he might join T20 leagues but he cleared that he wants to focus on Test cricket. He never gets involved in heated social media debates.
Interesting Facts About Cheteshwar Pujara
He has scored three triple centuries in first-class cricket.
He loves reading books about spirituality and meditation.
He does not like fancy cars; he still uses a simple family car in Rajkot.
He is very religious and visits temples before big series.
He has a cricket academy in Rajkot where he trains young boys.
His favourite food is homemade Gujarati dal and roti.
Pujara’s Major Records & Milestones
Over 7000 runs in Test cricket with an average of around 43.
More than 19 Test centuries as of 2025.
Player of the Series in India’s historic win in Australia, 2018–19.
Only Indian after Dravid to face more than 500 deliveries in an innings in Australia.
Top run-getter for Saurashtra in Ranji Trophy for many years.
Life Lessons from Cheteshwar Pujara’s Story
Pujara’s story is all about patience and belief. When the world wanted quick runs, he trusted his old-school style. He teaches young cricketers that staying true to your game is more important than trends.
He faced injuries, loss of form, and being dropped. But he never lost his smile. He went back to county cricket to fix his flaws instead of complaining. He says, “If you work honestly, results will come.”
Pujara shows us that cricket is not just about big sixes — it’s also about grit, defence, and discipline.
