Get ready for a hearty laugh as Indian cricket icons Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara took center stage at the launch of ‘The Diary of a Cricketer’s Wife’, authored by Puja Pujara. The duo entertained the audience with their infectious camaraderie and side-splitting anecdotes from their days on the field, proving that their bond transcends the boundary ropes.
One of the highlights of the event was their playful revelation about on-field ‘fights’—not over batting slots or bowling spells, but over who would occupy the dreaded close-in fielding positions like short leg and silly point. Rohit, with his trademark wit, shared, ‘We used to argue over who takes short leg or silly point. Pujji always pulled the seniority card, saying, “I bat at No. 3, I need more rest.” Since I batted at No. 5 or 6, I’d end up there.’ Pujara, interrupting with a grin, countered, ‘But the tables turned when he became an opener in Tests. Then he’d say, “I’m the opener now, you go to short leg!” I had no comeback, so I just went.’
The banter didn’t stop there. The pair reminisced about their early days representing Indian Oil in the Times Shield tournament. Pujara fondly recalled a match where their team posted a mammoth total of over 800 runs, crediting Rohit’s explosive batting. ‘The best place to be when batting with Rohit was the non-striker’s end. He’d demolish the bowlers while I watched the show,’ Pujara quipped, highlighting Rohit’s aggressive style that has now made him one of the most feared batters in modern cricket.
Adding a touch of humor, Rohit shared a quirky story from a 2012 India A tour to Trinidad and Tobago. Pujara, on a late-night quest for vegetarian food, found himself mobbed by fans. ‘We warned him not to step out after 9 PM, but he’s stubborn,’ Rohit laughed. ‘The moral of the story? Always listen to your teammates!’
Beyond the laughs, Rohit took a moment to applaud Pujara’s resilience. He praised the Saurashtra stalwart for achieving over 100 Test caps despite battling severe ACL injuries in both knees early in his career. Pujara, who last donned the Indian whites in June 2023 during the World Test Championship final, boasts an impressive record of 7,195 runs in 103 Tests at an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries. His gritty contributions, especially in overseas conditions like Australia, remain etched in Indian cricket history.
Events like these remind us that cricket is not just about fierce competition but also about the friendships and camaraderie built on and off the field. Rohit and Pujara’s nostalgic trip down memory lane at the book launch was a delightful treat for fans, showcasing the lighter side of two of India’s finest cricketers. Their timeless bond is a testament to the spirit of the game—full of laughter, mutual respect, and unforgettable stories.