Former Team India batter Cheteshwar Pujara has begun a new chapter after retiring from professional cricket, adding that he is open to taking up a coaching role with the Indian team in the future. The 37-year-old is now focusing on broadcasting and helping young cricketers develop.
Pujara retired from cricket in August 2025 after a distinguished international career. The right-handed batter played 103 Test matches, scoring 7,195 runs at an impressive average of 43.60, including 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries. He finished his career as India's eighth-highest run-scorer in Test cricket.
I Am Open To That... - Cheteshwar Pujara On Future
Speaking to PTI, Cheteshwar Pujara said he has no plans to return to professional cricket. He added that he is enjoying time with his family, working in broadcasting, and coaching young players at his cricket academy in Rajkot.
The former India batter also said he is open to taking up a coaching role in the future. He revealed that he would be happy to work as a batting coach or contribute at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence to help develop the next generation of Indian cricketers.
"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," Pujara said.
"I still go to the cricket ground and teach some of the kids, and that is also one of the role which I love doing and try and be better at it, I have moved on from the game. 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."
It Is a Great Honour for Me - Cheteshwar Pujara on MCC Honorary Life Membership
Cheteshwar Pujara also reflected on receiving Honorary Life Membership from the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). The former India batter said that it was a proud moment in his career and described the recognition as one of his biggest achievements after retirement.
"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, and when your efforts are recognised, you feel proud about it."
Cheteshwar Pujara's Test Career and Legacy
Pujara made his Test debut in 2010 and became one of the team's most dependable players in overseas conditions. He last played for India in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia before retiring from all forms of Indian cricket in August 2025.
He played a key role in India's back-to-back Test series wins in Australia in 2018-19 and 2020-21. He was named Player of the Series during the 2018-19 tour, helping India secure their first-ever Test series victory in Australia. His performances also helped India reach the 2021 and 2023 World Test Championship finals.
Pujara played five ODIs for India in 2013 and 2014. Since retiring, he has worked as a cricket analyst while remaining involved in the game through broadcasting.
