Cheteshwar Pujara may not carry the glamour associated with the Indian Premier League, but a defining chapter of his career unfolded quietly in 2009, long before he became India’s rock in Test cricket. At just 21, with a breakout domestic season behind him, Pujara was on the verge of establishing his IPL identity with the Kolkata Knight Riders. The franchise had earmarked him for the playing eleven, and everything pointed toward a dream debut. But life, as cricket often teaches, is unpredictable.
A cruel, career-threatening knee injury during a routine practice match suddenly put his future on hold. This lesser-known episode, now brought to light in The Diary of a Cricketer’s Wife, written by Cheteshwar Pujara’s wife, Puja (Harper Fiction, 2025), highlights just how close Pujara came to losing it all. Long before becoming a central pillar in India’s Test batting lineup, his cricketing journey nearly stopped in its tracks.
And surprisingly, it was Shah Rukh Khan and the Kolkata Knight Riders who stepped in as the unexpected saviours. The book recounts how, during a practice game, Pujara sprinted toward a catch that never should have been attempted. That single misjudged moment led to a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, a looming surgery, and the heartbreaking realisation that he might not play a single IPL match despite being promised a spot. For a young cricketer still searching for a foothold, the timing couldn’t have been worse.
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Yet, what followed is what sets this story apart. KKR’s management immediately took responsibility. They assured Pujara that the franchise would handle every medical expense and arranged for his surgery in Cape Town, known for its expertise in sports-related injuries. But Pujara’s father, who didn’t even possess a passport at the time, was understandably anxious. He preferred his son’s surgery to happen in Rajkot under the supervision of their long-trusted family friend, Dr Nirbhay Shah—the thought of being in a foreign country without a support system added to his fears.
#AskSRKCheteshwar Pujara’s father said, “Shahrukh Khan had a view that Cheteshwar has a great future. During his injury with KKR in 2009, he offered to fly our family and family doctor to SA, he wanted the surgery to get done in SA itself”. @iamsrk some words for pujara
— Suraj (@Suraj44757297) February 20, 2023
It was Shah Rukh Khan himself who stepped forward to reassure the family personally. According to the book, SRK insisted that South Africa offered the best medical expertise for such an injury. He didn’t stop there. Understanding the family’s hesitation, he offered to fly Dr Shah to Cape Town, along with any family members needed to ensure Pujara felt supported. This wasn’t star power speaking. It was humanity.
KKR moved swiftly, managing passports, visas, and travel logistics with efficiency that surprised even the Pujara family. Within days, Pujara’s father and Dr Shah were on a flight to Cape Town. The surgery went smoothly, and Pujara made a complete recovery. While his IPL journey never flourished the way many hoped, he went on to become one of India’s most reliable Test batsmen, crafting innings that defined matches and series.
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This rediscovered story not only showcases the resilience of Cheteshwar Pujara but also reveals a heartfelt, humane side of Shah Rukh Khan and the exceptional professionalism of KKR. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the biggest contributions in cricket happen away from the spotlight, shaping careers in ways the scorecards never show.
