Cheteshwar Pujara’s career was built on discipline, patience and determination. Known as the backbone of India’s Test batting, he anchored many memorable victories, especially in Australia where his resilience stood as a symbol of grit. With 7,195 runs in 103 Tests, including 19 centuries, he became one of the most dependable batsmen of India. Yet his exit from international cricket has stirred debate over whether he was given the farewell he truly deserved.
Former India all-rounder Karsan Ghavri has suggested that Pujara’s retirement was a result of frustration. After representing India for over a decade, he was sidelined from the national setup despite being one of the top performers in the Ranji Trophy. His last appearance came in the 2023 World Test Championship final and Karsan Ghavri opines that the lack of clarity from the BCCI about his future may have pushed him towards retirement.
Karsan Ghavri also compared Cheteshwar Pujara’s situation with that of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma who recently stepped away from Test cricket. He feels that senior cricketers often experience the same sense of disappointment when they are not properly acknowledged, especially after long and successful careers. According to him, the frustration does not arise from money or contracts but from the lack of respect and honour from the board.
Highlighting the importance of recognition, Karsan Ghavri stresses that players who have crossed the landmark of 100 Tests must be given a farewell match as a mark of appreciation. He argues that cricketers like Pujara and Kohli who have made immense contributions to Indian cricket should have been celebrated on their way out rather than quietly fading away.
Karsan Ghavri concludes that no player wants to end his career with a sense of neglect. Representing India in more than 100 Tests is a rare and remarkable achievemenst and Pujara belongs to that elite list of players who shaped the nation’s cricketing history. In his view, such service deserves nothing less than a dignified farewell.
Do you agree with Karsan Ghavri? Let us know your views in this regard.
