Cheteshwar Pujara: A Modern Cricketer with Traditional Values
In today’s aggressive cricketing landscape, Cheteshwar Pujara stands out as a bastion of the old-school technique, where patience and defense were highly valued. His resilience has been crucial to India’s triumphant series victories in Australia during 2018-19 and 2020-21. In a conversation with him and his wife, Puja, they discuss the challenges faced by a player’s family, Puja’s memoir detailing her journey as a cricketer’s wife, and the unforgettable 2021 Brisbane Test, where Cheteshwar played through significant injuries.
Cheteshwar, how did you feel upon reading Puja’s book?
Cheteshwar Pujara: I felt quite anxious since I wasn’t aware of the details she had included. I encouraged her to write freely, which led to a nervous yet special moment for me when I read it. Her recounting of our journey from courtship in 2012 onwards deeply resonated with me. I cherish it so much that I find myself revisiting it often.
Puja, was sharing your life publicly daunting?
Puja Pujara: Yes, we value our privacy and usually keep our lives to ourselves. However, Cheteshwar’s inspiring journey motivated me to share our story. I believe it contains valuable lessons that everyone—partners of sportspersons or otherwise—can relate to.
How did your initial meeting go?
Puja: I was unaware of who Cheteshwar was, given our arranged marriage setup. Initially, I assumed he might not be interested and only met my father-in-law. But from our first conversation, he felt more like a friend, marking the start of something meaningful between us.
What was it like witnessing the public attention following your engagement?
Puja: After our engagement, it felt overwhelming to see news about it everywhere. Cheteshwar reassured me, encouraging me to enjoy it. My first experience attending a Test as his fiancée was joyful, especially when he scored a remarkable double century.
Cheteshwar, how did you support each other during challenging times?
Cheteshwar: I aimed to shield Puja from my pressures and maintained space for her. With my rigorous schedule, I focused on my goals, while Puja learned to balance life with my cricket commitments. Our strong bond helped us navigate tough situations together.
How was the arrival of your daughter, Aditi, and how did it change things for you both?
Puja: Balancing travel and motherhood became a new challenge for me. While Cheteshwar prioritized his career, I had to select which tours to attend. Yet, he ensures to be present and supportive at home, which makes everything worthwhile.
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