Cheteshwar Pujara: A New Chapter After Retirement
After a remarkable career in Test cricket, Cheteshwar Pujara, known for his solid batting technique, is ready for the next phase of his journey. With a heavy heart yet a sense of fulfillment, Pujara has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, leaving behind a legacy of over 7,000 runs from 103 Test matches. Now, he is contemplating a future role, possibly as a coach, or at the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) prestigious National Cricket Academy (NCA).
Pujara recently spoke with PTI, expressing his thoughts after stepping away from the field. He emphasized how he might explore coaching opportunities or contribute in any capacity at the NCA. “I haven’t given it much thought yet,” he mentioned, “but if an opportunity arises, I will consider it. I want to stay connected with the sport in any way I can.”
Pujara’s passion for the game remains undiminished. He has enjoyed his experiences in broadcasting but wishes to delve deeper into cricketing roles. Reflecting on his illustrious career, he noted, “I feel fortunate to have played 103 Tests and to have been part of memorable series, especially our wins in Australia.”
As cricket evolves, Pujara acknowledges that the game has changed significantly. In recent times, the classical style of Test batting is becoming rare. He recalls witnessing the young Indian side’s aggressive approach during the five-match series in the UK. “While it’s exciting to see such aggression, the essence of classical batting still matters,” Pujara said.
Encouraging upcoming players, he added, “You should aim to play in all three formats of the game. Today, if you do well in T20s or ODIs, it often opens doors to Test cricket.” He cited the examples of players like Abhimanyu Easwaran and Karun Nair, who have excelled in domestic cricket and earned their spots in the Test squad.
In his commentary during the series, Pujara observed some fine performances, especially from KL Rahul, who played with a traditional style. He noted Rahul’s ability to tire the bowlers and set the right tone for the innings. “Rahul is technically sound,” Pujara said with admiration. “He has shown what classical batting can accomplish.”
As Pujara reflects on his retirement, he mentioned that his decision was influenced by his family and friends. “After coming back from the UK, I felt a need to talk to my loved ones. I didn’t want to hold a spot in the team if I wasn’t fully committed,” he explained. In sharing this decision, Pujara hopes to pave the way for upcoming talent instead.
Pujara’s journey is also deeply tied to the memories of his parents. He proudly acknowledged his father, Arvind Pujara, who played a significant role in shaping his cricketing career. “My father has always been an inspiration, teaching me the values of hard work and dedication. Losing my mother at a young age taught me what it means to be resilient,” he reflected emotionally.
With two historic Test series wins in Australia under his belt, Pujara shared that both series were unforgettable for different reasons. He described the 2018 series as a milestone for Indian cricket but noted the unique challenges faced during the COVID-19-affected 2021 series. “Each series brought its own lessons and experiences,” he shared, “but winning in Australia will always be special because it was our first Test series win there.”
He also reminisced about the invaluable advice he received from legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid during his early days. “Learning from their experiences was crucial,” Pujara said. The conversations with these cricketing giants enriched his understanding of the game, particularly concerning the demands of playing in foreign conditions.
Moving forward, Pujara is enthusiastic about contributing to Indian cricket in whatever way possible. He sees potential in several young players and believes that the future of Indian cricket is bright.
As the cricketing world rallies behind Pujara in his next endeavors, he remains rooted in his love for the game and the values it represents.
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Original Text – https://www.deccanchronicle.com/sports/ill-be-open-to-it-just-retired-pujara-on-possible-coaching-career-1900117