Cheteshwar Pujara, one of India’s finest Test batters, has called time on his celebrated career with pride and grace. After his retirement, Cheteshwar Pujara is ready to script a new chapter to shape the future of Indian cricket off the field, threatening Gautam Gambhir’s position as head coach.
Recently, Pujara admitted that he is now ready to explore a new chapter, where he can share his experience and learnings with the next generation of cricketers. When he was not part of the Indian side, the Saurashtra icon found a comfort zone in the media box.
Cheteshwar Pujara ready for a fresh chapter, Gautam Gambhir’s job in danger
Cheteshwar Pujara has already enjoyed his time in broadcasting, where his sharp reading of the game and deep knowledge impressed fans, but his passion for Indian cricket is much bigger, and he is now looking forward to the roles that can keep him directly involved in the game.
The former right-handed batter is ready to take up the mentoring role or even take up responsibility at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence. His calm nature, patience, discipline, fighting spirit, and years of experience in handling tough conditions and performing against the best attacks in the world make him a perfect mentor or coach for young cricketers.
I’ll be open to coaching: Cheteshwar Pujara
Cheteshwar Pujara was quoted as saying by CricketNext: “At this stage I haven’t thought about the future, but one thing I’ve enjoyed for sure is the broadcasting work. I’ve been part of a couple of major series that India played where I was commentating, and I’ve enjoyed my stints thoroughly. So, I’ll definitely continue doing that. When it comes to coaching or any work at the NCA (Centre of Excellence), I’ll be open to it. But I haven’t genuinely thought about it.”
Cheteshwar Pujara further added, “Whenever there is any opportunity that arises, I’ll try and take a call then… I’ve also mentioned earlier that I would like to stay attached to the game. So, in whatever manner I can contribute to Indian cricket, I’ll be more than happy to do so.”
Cheteshwar Pujara vows to stay connected to Indian Cricket
After calling time on his cricket career, the former Indian batter wants to spend time with his family and enjoy a much-needed break. But he made it clear that his bond with the game will never end, and he is ready to contribute to Indian cricket in any role.
Cheteshwar Pujara signed off by saying, “But as of now, I want to spend time with the family and enjoy a bit of off time from cricket. But at the same time, as I mentioned earlier, I would also like to stay attached to the game. So, in whatever manner I can contribute to Indian cricket, I’ll be more than happy to do that.”
Notably, Cheteshwar Pujara last played for India in the 2023 World Test Championship (WTC) final against New Zealand at Lord’s. The 37-year-old finished his career with 7195 runs in 103 Test matches for India. He has 19 centuries and 35 fifties to his name in the longest format of the game.