Former Team India batsman Cheteshwar Pujara has started a new chapter after retiring from professional cricket, saying he is open to taking up a coaching role with the Indian team in the future. The 37-year-old is now focusing on broadcasting and helping the development of young cricketers.
Pujara retires from cricket in August 2025 After a distinguished international career. The right-handed batsman played 103 Test matches, scoring 7,195 runs at an impressive average of 43.60, which included 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries. He finished his career as India’s eighth-highest run-scorer in Test cricket.
I am ready for it… – Cheteshwar Pujara on the future
Speaking to PTI, Cheteshwar Pujara said that he has no plans to return to professional cricket. He said he is enjoying time with his family, working in broadcasting and coaching young players at his cricket academy in Rajkot.
The former India batsman also said that he is open to taking up a coaching role in the future. He revealed that he would be happy to work as a batting coach or contribute to BCCI’s Center of Excellence to help develop the next generation of Indian cricketers.
Pujara said, “No, I am not playing, after retirement I have not played professional cricket at all and I have no desire to play cricket anymore. I like to spend time with my family and friends and now I am also in broadcasting, where you watch cricket and talk about cricket.”
“I still go to the cricket grounds and teach some kids, and that’s also a role I love to do and I try to get better at it, I have grown beyond the game. I love coaching kids, because I have a cricket academy in Rajkot, so I love going there and teaching kids. Yes, I am ready for that (coaching), moving forward yes I am ready for that.”
It is a huge honor for me – Cheteshwar Pujara on MCC Honorary Life Membership
Cheteshwar Pujara also considered receiving honorary life membership from the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). The former India batsman said it was a proud moment of his career and described the honor as one of his biggest achievements after retirement.
“It is a great honor for me to be a part of the MCC as a Life Member, and it is an honorary membership. Everyone knows that Lord’s is the home of cricket, and everyone loves playing cricket there. For me, it is a great pleasure and privilege to be a part of the MCC, and when your efforts are recognised, you feel proud of it.”
Cheteshwar Pujara’s Test career and legacy
Pujara made his Test debut in 2010 and became one of the team’s most reliable players in overseas conditions. He last played for India in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia before retiring from all forms of Indian cricket in August 2025.
He played a key role in India’s consecutive Test series wins in Australia in 2018–19 and 2020–21. He was named Player of the Series during the 2018–19 tour, helping India achieve their first Test series win in Australia. His performances also helped India reach the 2021 and 2023 World Test Championship finals.
Pujara played five ODI matches for India in 2013 and 2014. Since retiring, he has worked as a cricket analyst while staying connected to the game through broadcasting.
