New Delhi, August 28 – After bringing an illustrious playing career to a close, India’s seasoned Test batsman Cheteshwar Pujara has indicated that he is open to exploring coaching opportunities or taking up responsibilities at the National Cricket Academy in the future. Speaking to PTI a few days after announcing his retirement from all formats of the game, Pujara reflected on his career spanning 103 Tests, in which he scored over 7,000 runs, and also shared his vision for the next chapter of his journey.
Pujara said that while he enjoys working in broadcasting and plans to continue in that space, he is equally willing to consider coaching or mentoring roles whenever the right opportunity arises. He emphasized that staying connected with cricket is important to him and that any contribution he can make to Indian cricket in the future would bring him satisfaction. As per agency report, Pujara added that he has no regrets about his decision to retire and is content with the way his career unfolded.
He also spoke about the changing nature of Test cricket, observing that the traditional approach to batting has evolved over time. However, he believes that classical batsmen remain relevant even in the modern game. According to him, change is inevitable and players must adapt to the demands of the present era. For youngsters, his advice is to play across all three formats since opportunities in Test cricket today often come on the back of performances in shorter formats like the Indian Premier League or one-day internationals.
Pujara explained that players who perform well in white-ball cricket frequently find a place in the Test side, which has also brought a more aggressive style of batting into the longest format. At the same time, he pointed out examples such as Abhimanyu Easwaran and Karun Nair, who earned Test selections through strong performances in the Ranji Trophy, showing that domestic first-class cricket remains a valuable pathway.
He highlighted KL Rahul as one of the best Test batsmen in the current Indian team, praising his solid technique and his ability to provide stability at the top of the order. For Pujara, these qualities are crucial in laying a strong foundation for the team.
The 36-year-old’s remarks underline both his respect for the traditions of Test cricket and his awareness of the evolving dynamics of the sport. With his vast experience and calm temperament, Pujara’s potential involvement in coaching or mentoring roles could prove to be a significant asset for the future of Indian cricket.
