Cheteshwar Pujara open to coaching role, keen to contribute to Indian cricket beyond playing days

Cheteshwar Pujara opens up on coaching role. (Photo: ICC)

Cheteshwar Pujara, one of India’s greatest Test specialists of the 21st century, may have walked away from the game as a player, but his association with cricket is far from over. The 37-year-old, who announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Sunday, has expressed his willingness to take up a coaching role in the future, including at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), should the opportunity arise.

In an exclusive conversation with RevSportz Editor-in-Chief Boria Majumdar, Pujara reflected on his playing career, his decision to step aside, and the road ahead. Asked whether he sees himself contributing to Indian cricket in another capacity, the veteran batter was candid. “Yes, definitely. I haven’t honestly thought about my coaching journey, but if I get an opportunity, I’ll be more than happy,” Pujara said.

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The Saurashtra stalwart, who ended with 7,195 Test runs at an average of 43.60, noted that he is currently enjoying his media assignments as a commentator and analyst. “At the moment, I am enjoying my media work, my commentary stints, and also the analysis work because I’ve played with some of the players at the highest level, been a part of IPL franchises, played white-ball cricket for Sussex and Saurashtra,” he explained. “Although I haven’t played so much of white-ball cricket for the Indian team, having played all the formats makes me enjoy the analysis work that I do.”

While Pujara has not charted out a definitive path into coaching yet, his openness to the idea suggests that Indian cricket could benefit from his immense reservoir of experience, particularly in nurturing the next generation of batters at the NCA or within state structures. Known for his discipline, mental toughness, and ability to withstand pressure in the longest format, Pujara’s presence in a mentorship or coaching role would bring invaluable insight into the art of batting in challenging conditions.

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Reflecting on his decision to retire, Pujara said the timing felt right both for him and for Saurashtra cricket. “I spoke to my family, friends and consulted a few seniors about it. Overall, I felt that it is the right time to step out and give chances to the really talented young players in Saurashtra, for them to be a part of the playing eleven and get the exposure required to take the team forward,” he told RevSportz.

The 37-year-old leaves behind a legacy built on resilience and classic Test match batting, with 19 centuries, 18 double tons in First Class cricket, and three triple hundreds to his name. As he moves into a new chapter of his life, Pujara is open to contributing back to the game in some form. “If there are other opportunities coming my way in the future, I’ll be happy to consider it. Right now, I honestly am not thinking about what I’ll do next because I just retired yesterday, but I will see how the career progresses going forward,” he remarked.

For Indian cricket, the thought of Pujara passing on his wisdom to the next generation is truly exciting. If he takes up a role with the NCA or in coaching, it would mean that his calm, patient and methodical style of batting could inspire and guide young cricketers. Long after his retirement, his influence might still be seen in the way India builds its red-ball future.