Cheteshwar PujaraHis journey in Indian cricket has often been celebrated for his patience, composure and ability to anchor the bowling attack. However, what many people didn’t know was that his career almost came to a halt before it could properly begin. This was during their initial engagement Kolkata Knight Riders In ipl 2010 season, where he suffered a major ACL injury before getting a single game. The injury jeopardized his cricket career at a crucial time when he was emerging as a domestic star. In this moment of uncertainty, KKR co-owner Shahrukh Khan Stepped in and provided remarkable support. The story has resurfaced recently following revelations made by Pujara’s wife in her book, highlighting Khan’s personal involvement.
When Cheteshwar Pujara’s career was in danger, Shahrukh intervened
Shahrukh came to know about Pujara’s injury at a time when the young batsman and his family were in mental shock. The seriousness of an ACL tear is well known, especially for a cricketer who relies heavily on stability and precise footwork at the crease. Pujara had not yet made his Test debut and was still building his reputation, making the timing of the injury even more difficult emotionally. Shahrukh reassured the family, saying that Pujara’s future is bright and he should get the best medical care.
‘Destiny led him to run carelessly to catch a ball that was never there; And the result: a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, an impending surgery and a temporarily halted cricket career – all without playing a single game for KKR,” pooja pujaraWritten in The Diary of a Cricketer’s Wife.
The KKR management arranged for the surgery in Cape Town, handled all the necessary documents and ensured that Pujara received treatment from trusted doctors. To ease the family tension, he also sent Pujara’s father to South Africa to provide emotional support. This sentiment reflects a deep sense of responsibility towards the player rather than a transactional approach. The recovery was long and exhausting, but the bonds formed during this difficult period are remembered as a turning point. The surgery was successful, Pujara regained physical confidence and soon became the pillar of India’s Test batting. This incident highlights how leadership based on compassion can impact sports careers beyond the field.
“Shah Rukh also told me that Chintu had a very good future and should receive the best medical treatment available. When he realized I was concerned about the lack of a support system in South Africa and my confidence in Dr. Shah’s abilities, he offered to take him and any family members I wanted with me.” TOI quoted Pujara’s father as saying this.
“Whoever you want for the surgery, we’ll bring them as well. We’ll pay them here so you’ll have your own people around you.” A representative told Pujara’s family, as mentioned in the book.
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Pujara’s return and the legacy of that support
Once recovered, Pujara did not rush to return. He spent several months rebuilding both his technique and muscle strength, as stability of his front knee was vital to the forward defensive play for which he is known. His determination was visible in his Ranji Trophy performances, where he started scoring heavily again and caught the attention of the selectors. His Test debut in 2010 was followed by iconic innings in the Border-Gavaskar series, especially those marathon innings that helped India win historic matches.
Although his IPL career never became a defining part of his journey, his role in Test cricket became somewhat important. He appeared in 10 matches across his two seasons with KKR in 2009 and 2010, later representing Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) And Punjab Kings (PBKS) In short steps. His strengths were always better suited to the longer format, where his patience and technique could develop. Pujara played 103 Tests for India, scoring 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, and became one of the main pillars of the team’s batting during a pivotal era. He was last seen in world test championship 2023 final against Australia,
Shahrukh’s early trust and practical support played a silent but important role here, which Pujara’s family now openly acknowledges. The memory of this gesture is preserved not in statistics but in gratitude. It shows that sometimes careers are shaped not only by talent and discipline, but also by the sympathy and trust of influential persons at the time. Pujara later became one of India’s most reliable Test batsmen with over 100 Test matches and his reputation was built on endurance, concentration and flexibility.
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