Cheteshwar Pujara Gives The Reason Behind His Retirement, Says ‘I Wasn’t A Part Of The Indian Team…’ News24 –

Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara opened up about his decision to retire from all forms of cricket just ahead of the upcoming Ranji season. Pujara, who has played 103 Tests for India, took a decision to hang his boots on Sunday. He was the backbone of India’s Test team for the very long time and he played a crucial role in India’s win in Test series in Australia in 2019-19.

Talking about his retirement Pujara mentioned that it was his person call and youngsters should get more opportunities.

“See, I didn’t think much about it earlier. From about a week I thought a little that this is the right time. So today when I took this decision, it is quite a proud moment for me and for my whole family. On this day I want to thank all my teammates, my coaches and all the support staff I worked with, because this is a proud moment for me.”

“Representing the Indian team, from childhood, when I was small, it was always a dream to play for India. When that dream got completed and for so many years this journey went on, we created so many memories, so there are many proud moments in my career till now,” Pujara said as quoted on India Today.

“This was my personal call and I decided that this is the right time, especially when young players should get opportunities in domestic cricket. Earlier, I thought maybe I will play this Ranji season, but then I felt that if young players get the opportunity, they will be ready sooner. So this was my personal call. About the past few years when I wasn’t part of the Indian team, I don’t want too speak much,” he added.