In a heartwarming and laughter-filled moment at the launch of Puja Pujara’s book, ‘The Diary of a Cricketer’s Wife’, Indian cricket star Rohit Sharma shared a previously untold story about his teammate Cheteshwar Pujara from their time with the India A team during the 2012 tour of the West Indies. The event, brimming with nostalgia and camaraderie, offered fans a glimpse into the personal side of these cricketing giants.
The anecdote, set in Trinidad and Tobago, revolved around a late-night adventure gone awry. Pujara, a strict vegetarian, was on a mission to find a suitable meal at around 11 PM, despite warnings from his teammates. Recounting the incident, Pujara sheepishly admitted, ‘We didn’t find the meal, and while walking back, I was mobbed. I can’t dive into the details, but that’s the story Rohit is referring to.’ Rohit, with a mischievous grin, added a layer of humor to the tale, saying, ‘The moral of the story? Sometimes he can be stubborn. We warned him not to go out after 9 PM. This is the West Indies!’ The crowd erupted in laughter, picturing the steadfast batsman in such an unexpected situation.
Beyond the humor, Rohit took a moment to applaud Pujara’s incredible journey in international cricket. Having played over 100 Test matches, Pujara has amassed 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries and 35 fifties. Rohit highlighted Pujara’s resilience, especially his ability to overcome severe ACL injuries in both knees early in his career—a testament to his grit and determination. ‘To come back from such setbacks and achieve what he has is remarkable,’ Rohit noted with admiration.
Rohit also reminisced about the challenges of playing against Pujara during domestic matches. As a young fielder, Rohit recalled endless days under the scorching sun while Pujara batted on for hours, often days, showcasing his legendary patience and skill. ‘All I remember is going to the ground at 14 years old, and by evening, the color of my face would be completely different. My mother would ask why I looked so different after a week. I’d tell her, ‘Mom, what do I do? There’s a batsman named Cheteshwar Pujara who’s been batting for three days!’’ Rohit shared, painting a vivid picture of Pujara’s domination on the field.
He further revealed how opposition team meetings often revolved around a single agenda: how to dismiss Pujara. ‘If we didn’t get him out, we’d probably lose the game,’ Rohit admitted, underlining the Saurashtra batter’s pivotal role in matches. This relentless focus on Pujara, even in domestic cricket, highlighted why he became a cornerstone of India’s Test batting lineup.
Though Pujara’s last Test appearance was in June 2023 against Australia in the World Test Championship final at The Oval, his legacy as one of India’s most dependable batsmen remains intact. His marathon innings and unwavering focus have inspired a generation of cricketers and fans alike. Rohit’s heartfelt anecdotes at the book launch not only entertained but also reminded everyone of the human stories behind the statistics—stories of friendship, perseverance, and the occasional misadventure in the Caribbean night.
As the event concluded, fans were left with a renewed appreciation for Pujara’s contributions to Indian cricket and a chuckle over the lighter moments shared by Rohit. It’s clear that beyond the boundary, the bonds forged on tours like the one in 2012 remain as strong as ever, much like Pujara’s resolve at the crease.