Cheteshwar Pujara Retirement: 'Lost my mother early on, she must be proud of the achievements'
He also thanked his spiritual gurus for their continued support in his journey.
Cheteshwar Pujara on His Late Mother, Latest News: Cheteshwar Pujara, who announced his retirement from all forms of Indian Cricket on Sunday, said he lost his mother early on due to cancer and that she must be proud of him today. The well-respected test cricketer said he would stay connected to cricket through commentary and media work.
Cheteshwar Pujara said he spoke to his family and close ones before making the decision and that he has no regrets as he had the opportunity to play for the Indian team for an extended period of time adding “Not many players get that opportunity.”
Cheteshwar Pujara speaking to Media later in the day following the announcement, said, "It has been a great journey so far. I have enjoyed every moment. I made my debut with the under-19 Indian team, since then the journey has been very good, followed by my debut with the Indian team in 2010. That was one of the proudest moments of my cricketing journey. I got the opportunity to play alongside legendary players and work with top coaches, especially during the team's transition phase.”
Thanking all those who made his journey as successful one, said, “It is the right time for me to move on and allow the new players”
He called the 2018 victory in the Test Series on Australian soil ‘a career-defining moment’ and ‘one of the best memories for the Indian team as well.’
When asked if he has any regrets, he replied, “I think I am very fortunate to have played for the Indian team for such a long time. Not many players get that opportunity.”
Talking about his late mother, he shared that he lost his mother early on, when he was just seventeen, due to cancer. He shared that his mother used to tell his father, “‘Don’t worry about son, eventually he will play with the Indian Team’. Her words became true. I am sure she will be very proud of the achievements I made during the journey but at the same time I remember her words-she used to tell me, ‘to be a good person, no matter big you become as a cricketer’. So I still remember her words, and I am always thankful to my mom for guiding me as a kid and she must be very proud at this moment.”
He also thanked his spiritual gurus for their continued support in his journey.
Talking about the role spiritual Guru played in his life, the retired cricketer said, “‘ You play in a high-pressure situation, so you need to be mentally strong, calm and at the same time focused on the game. Not just in cricket, even in life when making some important decisions. My spiritual gurus have taught me so many things.”