Cheteshwar Pujara reveals the real reason behind retirement: ‘When I was in the UK…’

Cheteshwar Pujara reveals reason behind retirement decision. (AFP Photo)

Cheteshwar Pujara ended an incredible international career by walking into sunset, following in the footsteps of his former India teammates. Top Indian cricketers Ravichandran Ashwin (all forms of Indian cricket), Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli (both from Test matches) have declared their retirements in the last nine months, with Pujara being the newest member to join the group.

Despite having not played a Test match for India since 2023, Pujara remained a mainstay of Indian domestic cricket and was actually anticipating the newest season, which began Thursday with the Duleep Trophy quarterfinals in Bengaluru.

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What, then, caused the change of heart?

“When I was in the UK (on broadcasting duties during Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy), I was actually looking forward to the season," Pujara told PTI. “But once I came back home, I was settling in and when I was about to start my preparation for the Ranji Trophy, I wanted to speak to my family, to my friends, some of my colleagues. What are their thoughts on me playing this season."

“Because I knew that if I played another season, I would be holding a spot in the team and I didn’t want to do that. And I wasn’t 100 per cent sure that I wanted to carry on playing the entire season," he added.

According to Pujara, it's time to pass the torch on to the following generation.

“So I thought that it was the best time for me to move on and provide an opportunity to the younger player who can be part of the Saurashtra team," he said.

In keeping with his batting approach, Pujara is renowned for his cool head and friendly disposition. Recalling the contributions of his late mother, Reena Pujara, his coach, and his father, Arvind Pujara, a former first-class player, made him a little emotional.

“It was an emotional moment for him as well. He also was an inspiration for me because his commitment towards cricket was excellent and I’ve learnt a lot from him. But I also would like to thank my mom," Pujara said.

“I lost my mom when I was 17 because of cancer, but she taught me a lot of things. She taught me to be a good human being. My wife Pooja as well, she has written a book where she writes that it takes a village for a person to be a successful cricketer," he added.