Retired Indian Test stalwart Cheteshwar Pujara has shared his thoughts on stepping away from all forms of cricket, emphasizing that it was entirely his own choice. The 37-year-old had planned to play in this year’s Ranji Trophy. However, he decided it was better to let young players gain early exposure to India’s top first-class tournament.
Pujara brought an end to his 13-year international career after playing 108 matches, 103 of them in Tests. The determined right-handed batsman played a key role in India’s historic Test series wins in Australia during 2018-19 and 2020-21. He finishes his career with 7,195 Test runs at an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries.
In a conversation with Sports Tak, just hours after announcing his retirement, Pujara stated:
“This was my personal call and I decided that this is the right time, especially when young players should get opportunities in domestic cricket. Earlier I thought maybe I will play this Ranji season, but then I felt that if young players get the opportunity, they will be ready sooner. So this was my personal call. About the past few years when I wasn’t part of the Indian team, I don’t want too speak much.”
“It Felt Like The Right Time”– Cheteshwar Pujara On Retirement
Cheteshwar Pujara expressed his gratitude to everyone who supported him throughout his career. He said he felt honored to have represented India for such a long period, adding:
“See, I didn’t think much about it earlier. From about a week I thought a little that this is the right time. So today when I took this decision, it is quite a proud moment for me and for my whole family. On this day, I want to thank all my teammates, my coaches and all the support staff I worked with, because this is a proud moment for me.”
“Representing the Indian team, from childhood, when I was small, it was always a dream to play for India. When that dream got completed and for so many years this journey went on, we created so many memories, so there are many proud moments in my career till now.”
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