Cheteshwar Pujara interview: Test specialist tag was limiting, not right for me

India Today

08-06-2025

We thought the moment had slipped away.After a long day of interviews at India Today's Noida office in May, Cheteshwar Pujara and his wife, Puja, were ready to call it a day. As they made their way toward the car park, my colleague and I, hoping for just a few minutes of their time, watched the opportunity quietly fade. Disappointed, we turned back toward our desks, mentally preparing the explanation we would give our editor.advertisementThen, unexpectedly, Pujara stopped. He turned, looked at us, and gently said he wouldn't be able to speak that day—but promised a virtual interview in the next couple of days.
It wasn't a courtesy. It was a commitment. Three days later, amid his broadcasting schedule, Pujara kept his word. He gave us time with the author of a new book - Puja, by his side.They spoke about Pujara's career, his support system and about the book, 'The Diary of a Cricketer's Wife: A very unusual memoir' about life beyond the boundary rope. I had skimmed through a few chapters by then, and one paragraph from the author's note stood out. It explained everything: why he stopped, why he called back, why he showed up.'For someone who has travelled around the world, overcome incredible hardships and enjoyed unprecedented success, he is not very social. Yet, despite his reserve, he never says no to anyone, even if the request is made by a stranger; he will always go that extra mile, sometimes at great personal cost,' Puja wrote.advertisementShe hadn't exaggerated a word.Pujara carved a legacy as India's rock at No. 3, built on grit and patience. From grinding out 1258 balls in the 2018–19 Australia tour to taking body blows at the Gabba in 2021, he stood tall when it mattered most. Dropped in 2014 and 2016 for scoring too slowly in Tests (yes, the irony), he roared back with runs at home and overseas, proving that old-school Test batting still had a place in modern cricket.But his career was also marked by being boxed in. Despite averaging 57 in List-A cricket, which includes runs in England, he was never given a real shot in ODIs or T20Is. Branded a "Test specialist," Pujara took the hits quietly, but never stopped fighting. Even at 37, he's not done yet.Below are excerpts from IndiaToday.in's conversation with Cheteshwar Pujara and his wife about cricket, family support, and their latest book.Question: There's a line from the book that really stood out to me: "He doesn't know how to relax, but he's always at peace." Would you say that's the best description of you?Cheteshwar Pujara: Yes, definitely. I would say so, because one has to be at peace. At the same time, every person has a different understanding of what relaxation means. But mentally, having that peace of mind is very important-not just for a sportsperson, but for any human being.advertisementWe live in a world where everything moves so quickly, and there's always a lot going on. It's crucial to have control over your mind and to remain at peace.You get multiple calls in a day, and it's never easy to control your thoughts, but it's important to keep working at it.You try to get better at it, because no one is perfect, and no one is going to be at peace all the time. But when faced with a difficult situation, you should know how to handle it.So yes, I think she's done a great job with the way she's described things in the book.Question: What prompted you to write the book?
Cheteshwar Pujara with his wife Puja (Courtesy: Cheteshwar Pujara/Instagram)
Puja Pujara: A lot of things. One is that he's an introverted personality-he doesn't open up easily and prefers to keep to himself.But the essence of writing this book was the story-the sacrifices, the hardships the family went through, even when there was no certainty of success. It's phenomenal in the sense that it's so inspiring. Any person, regardless of the career they want to pursue, can pick up the book, read it, and feel inspired.advertisementIt shows that if you want to succeed in life, there are things you need to do. Success is like the tip of the iceberg, but the book shows the entire iceberg-the hurdles one must cross to achieve that success. There are no shortcuts. Cheteshwar's life story is a prime example of that.That's why I felt the world should know. Even though it was very difficult for him to share his story-because he wouldn't normally be comfortable doing that-I was inspired, and I felt it was important to tell it.Not for any other reason, but because even if five people are inspired to change their lives and attain what they want, then we're making a difference. That was the whole idea. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Puja (@puja_pabari)advertisementQuestion: Speaking of mental peace in a fast-paced world-how did you cultivate that in your cricketing life? We've heard stories of you hitting thousands of balls in the nets with your father, but did you do anything specific to strengthen your mental game? Cheteshwar Pujara: Yes, just to start with the cricketing aspect-when I was very young, my father made sure that my practice had purpose. No distractions were allowed during sessions. No conversations either. I had to remain completely focused while batting. Even if I wanted to speak to the bowler or someone else, he ensured I didn't. My entire focus had to be on the game and the session.That started very early. And then I kept playing matches-match practice is extremely important. Playing regularly at a young age teaches you how to concentrate and stay sharp.Now, apart from cricket, what else helped me mentally? My mother taught me to pray every day-whether I was playing or not. That became part of my daily routine. Prayer helped me channel my energy. And when you pray, you attract positive thoughts.Later, when I was about 19 or 20, I began learning yoga and breathing exercises. For the past seven to ten years, I've practised them regularly.advertisementThat really helped me control my thoughts, focus on my breath, and find mental peace when required.Question: Did you truly love cricket as a child? Or was it something you were pushed into?Cheteshwar Pujara: No, I always loved the sport. One reason is that my father played first-class cricket for Saurashtra. My grandfather also played cricket-back in the days before the Ranji Trophy existed, when only the Maharajas played.So from an early age, I would see them going to the ground. As a child, I'd walk with them, watch other players-and that's how the passion started.Even at home, when I was four or five, I played with a plastic bat and a soft ball. I loved the game; I was never forced into it. By the time I was seven or eight, I was playing with a proper cricket ball. That's when I decided I wanted to take it seriously.The turning point came when I was twelve. I got a big break with the Saurashtra team, and in my first match, I scored 306 runs-it became a national record.That's when I realised I could pursue this professionally. Until then, it was purely love and passion. But at twelve, I decided I could make a career out of it.Question: Puja ma'am, being the partner of a top-level sportsperson isn't easy. There are mood swings, highs and lows. How did you manage?Puja Pujara: You experience highs and lows in every profession. But when the career is demanding and under public scrutiny-especially in a sport as loved as cricket in India-the highs are very high, and the lows can hit hard.Over time, you get used to it. You learn not to ride either extreme with too much emotion. Losses humble you, and wins-you learn not to get carried away.You also learn that "today is a good day, but it might not last". So, you don't let it affect your personal life. By personal life, I mean the equation between the two of us.Our personal life has always remained our own. When he comes home, he's a regular partner, a regular son to his father. He doesn't come home as a cricketer.There may be a lot of aura and hype outside, but at home, he is just himself. That's helped us a lot.He never brought in an attitude of "I'm someone important" into the house. That helped me, his dad, and now, even our child.Sometimes, yes, it does get to you. But over time, you learn.When you receive public love and adulation, you learn to appreciate it. Similarly, when things go wrong, you learn to accept it and stay grounded. We've always maintained that whatever happens outside, nothing changes inside our home.Question: Your rise wasn't quick, with injuries and a long grind. So, was it daunting to be asked to replace someone like Rahul Dravid at No. 3?Cheteshwar Pujara: No, not really-when I made my debut, I never thought I'd end up batting at number three. Because initially, when I was picked in the squad, I wasn't even sure if I'd get into the XI. I only got an opportunity because Laxman bhai was injured and couldn't play the Bangalore Test. That's why I made my debut.I started as a number five batter, and then in the second innings, I was promoted to number three. Even going forward, I never imagined I'd be the one batting at number three.It happened organically. Rahul bhai retired, and there was a vacancy at number three, so I stepped in. Even when playing for Saurashtra, I never thought of starting at number three. And I never imagined I'd be replacing Rahul bhai.There was never a question of that. Even in my early years, whenever someone asked, "Because your technique is similar, will you replace him?", I always said, "I want to play alongside him. I want to learn." And that's what happened.I got the opportunity to play alongside him, I learnt a great deal from him, and then I batted at number three. So I've never considered myself a replacement. Rahul bhai is a great player with over 10,000 Test runs-even in ODIs. I just feel fortunate to be compared.But every player has their individuality, and one must stay true to that. I've always tried to do that. There may be similarities, but you have to go out there and play your natural game.Question: If Pujara could change one thing about his career, what would it be? Or has everything been perfect?Puja Pujara: We don't have any regrets. But given a choice, if there's one thing we could change, I think he would've liked to play in multiple formats. Because he truly felt he could have-and the numbers speak for themselves. I think he would have wanted to play all the formats because he was capable. Even now, his List A average is among the highest. So yes, he would have liked that opportunity.But no regrets as such.When he was labelled a "Test specialist", he never compromised. Even though he worked hard to be ready for the ODI and T20 formats, he never did anything that would risk his Test spot. He understood the importance of proving himself, but he also respected the format. He never felt the need to play an ODI-style innings or hit flashy shots just to get noticed.He played the format for what it was.Whenever he played domestic or county cricket and had the chance to play a shorter format, he approached it the right way-not just to boost selection chances or make a case for the IPL. He didn't try to alter his natural instincts. He wanted to stay true to his job, which was representing the country.But yes, I'm sure he'd say the same. If given the opportunity, he would have liked to showcase his skills in the limited-overs formats.Question: You're widely regarded as one of the finest Test batters of your generation. But did you ever feel boxed in by the "Test cricket specialist" tag?Cheteshwar Pujara: Well, I've always enjoyed playing the Test format. But if you're just tagged as a Test player, it's not always the right label for someone who has the potential to play other formats.I enjoy Test cricket-it's always been my priority.And yes, being tagged that way means people acknowledge that you're talented enough to play the purest form. But at the same time, it can be limiting, perceived in a negative way. Because once you're tagged as a Test player, you don't get many opportunities with the white ball.Question: The 2018-19 Australia tour and the 2020-21 one-which one is your favourite?
Cheteshwar Pujara dominated Australia in India's historic tours in 2018-19 and 2020-21 (AFP Photo)
Cheteshwar Pujara: For me, both. But personally, yes-as a batter, I enjoyed the 2018 series more. Because that was the first-ever series victory on Australian soil. So I'll pick that one.But at the same time, in 2021, so many key players were missing-despite that, we overcame countless challenges and won. That was special too.Question: You've scored over 7,000 runs and played 100+ Tests. Is the fire still burning?Cheteshwar Pujara: Yes, absolutely. As long as I'm playing cricket, it doesn't matter what level I'm at. I love the game, and I'm working hard to maintain my rhythm, fitness, and connection to the sport. So whenever the opportunity arises-whether at the domestic level or the highest level-I'll be ready.Question: From your respective journeys, what's the one key message you'd want to pass on to the next generation-both as a cricketer and as someone who's seen a cricketer's life up close?Cheteshwar Pujara: For me, I'd say that for a young cricketer, the ultimate goal should be to play for the country. Yes, we live in an era where white-ball and franchise cricket are hugely popular. So yes, aim for that-there's nothing wrong with aspiring to play in the IPL. But while doing that, also aim to represent your country-in all formats. I'm not saying just Test cricket, even though it is the ultimate format.Puja Pujara: Yes, and I'd just add: There are fewer days of success; the days of failure are more frequent. Failure teaches you a lot. One mustn't get bogged down by it or feel disheartened. Persevere, stay true to your passion, and eventually, you will succeed. But don't get carried away by success either-nothing lasts forever. Change is inevitable. So you need to have strong values and a close circle-family or dear ones-who ground you. They'll be the ones to tell you the truth, no matter where you are in life, without sugarcoating. Hold on to those relationships with complete honesty.Success can be deceiving-it doesn't show the whole picture. The real picture only emerges when you experience both success and failure.Must Watch