Former Indian Test cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara broke the silence after quitting all forms of cricket, saying that it was his own decision to step away. The veteran also stated that he wished to play in the Ranji Trophy this year, but then decided that youngsters would be ready for the big stage sooner if they played in the competition as early as possible.

Notably, Pujara hung up his boots on his 13-year international career after 108 matches, 103 of which came in Tests as well. He was a vital cog for India in their twin Test series victory in Australia in the 2018-19 and 2020-21 as well. He retired with 7195 Test runs at 43.60, along with 19 centuries as well.

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Speaking to Sports Tak, Pujara revealed: “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.”

Pujara also thanked everyone who helped him in his journey. He also added that he felt privileged to have played for India for a long time as well.

“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,” Cheteshwar Pujara concluded.