Pujara Opens Up About ‘Excruciating Pain’ During 2021 Australia Tour: ‘Getting Hit Can Shatter You’

Cheteshwar Pujara revealed how he managed body blows while batting, particularly during India’s 2021 tour of Australia.

Cheteshwar Pujara Announces Retirement from All Forms of Cricket

Cheteshwar Pujara announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Sunday, having last represented India in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval. Renowned for his disciplined and patient batting, Pujara was a cornerstone of the Indian Test team for over a decade.

A stalwart of the longest format, he rarely featured in limited-overs cricket, playing just five ODIs and no T20Is, while appearing in 103 Test matches.

Speaking to the Indian Express after his retirement, Pujara reflected on the physical challenges of his career, revealing how he coped with body blows while batting, particularly during the 2021 tour of Australia.

Cheteshwar Pujara on Mental Toughness and Achievements

The 37-year-old Cheteshwar Pujara reflected on the importance of mental resilience in cricket, saying, “In moments like these it is important to look at the bigger picture. You are batting for your team, there are billions watching and praying for the team to do well with the series on the line. When you get hit on the body, you do get shattered sometimes, but then you have to keep your calm. You have to trust yourself, the game and your ability.”

He added, “Getting hit once or twice is fine, but when it hits repeatedly on the same spot, the pain becomes unbearable. That’s where mental toughness comes in, where your dedication and love for the country come into play. I believe in God and he gives me strength. In tough times you need that spiritual power, which is beyond human understanding. I get strength that I cannot describe, but I get strength.”

Pujara is the second fastest Indian to reach 1,000 Test runs and has climbed to a career-best No. 2 in the Test batting rankings after his double century against Australia in March 2017. He also became the eleventh Indian to surpass 6,000 Test runs, cementing his place among India’s elite batsmen.

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