Cheteshwar Pujara has entered a new phase of life after retiring from all forms of Indian cricket in August 2025, but the former India Test batter says his connection with the game is far from over. The 37-year-old, who ended his career with 103 Tests, 7,195 runs, 19 centuries and a reputation as one of India’s most reliable red-ball players, says he is focused on broadcasting, family time and helping young cricketers develop through his academy in Rajkot.
Speaking to PTI, Pujara made it clear that he has no urge to return to professional cricket. Instead, he is enjoying life away from the pressures of top-level competition while still staying close to the sport in a different role. For Pujara, the daily routine now includes analysis, commentary and mentoring youngsters at his academy, where he continues to pass on the lessons that defined his long international career.
“No I am not playing, after retirement, I haven’t played any professional cricket at all, and I don’t feel any urge to play cricket now. I like to spend time with my family and friends, and also now I am in broadcasting, where you watch cricket and talk about cricket. I still go to the cricket ground and teach some of the kids. I like training kids, because I have a cricket academy in Rajkot, so I love going there and teach kids. Yes, I am open to that (coaching), going forward yes I am open to it.”
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That openness to coaching has made Pujara a name to watch for future roles with Indian cricket. He said he would be happy to work as a batting coach or contribute at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence if an opportunity comes along. For now, he is content to keep learning from the game in a new way while staying involved in shaping the next generation.
Former India batter and Test great Cheteshwar Pujara said that he has moved on from cricket now, but remains open to coaching roles in the future.
He said, “No I am not playing, after retirement, I haven’t played any professional cricket at all, and I don’t feel any urge to…
— Kashif (@KashifNdmCric) July 1, 2026
Pujara also reflected on the honour of being elected an Honorary Life Member of the Marylebone Cricket Club. MCC confirmed that Pujara, along with Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, Mel Jones and Tamim Iqbal, accepted the club’s offer, with the recognition presented at Lord’s by MCC President Ed Smith and Chair Mark Nicholas. Pujara said the honour means a great deal because Lord’s has always been seen as the home of cricket.
“It is a great honour for me to be a part of MCC as a lifetime member, and it’s an honourary membership. Everyone knows Lord’s is the home of cricket, and everyone loves to play cricket there. For me, it is a great pleasure and privilege to be a part of MCC. When your efforts are recognised, you feel proud about it.”
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Pujara’s legacy remains rooted in Test cricket’s toughest conditions. He made his Test debut in 2010, last played for India in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia, and played a central role in India’s landmark Test series wins in Australia in 2018-19 and 2020-21. His batting in those tours, especially the 2018-19 series, helped redefine India’s overseas success and cemented his place among the country’s great Test specialists.
