Pujara’s Retirement: Frustration Behind the Decision?

Veteran Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara announced his retirement from all formats of the game on Sunday. Former India all-rounder Karsan Ghavri suggested on Monday that Pujara’s decision stemmed from a lack of opportunities, leading to disappointment.

Pujara, who played in 103 Test matches and five ODIs for India after debuting in 2010, declared his surprising exit on Sunday. His last game was the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia in 2023.

Ghavri, with 39 Tests and 19 ODIs to his name, criticized the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for creating discontent among players through its policies.

He stated that Pujara’s choice, similar to those of fellow experienced players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who concluded their Test careers earlier in the year, was motivated by dissatisfaction.

Ghavri also criticized the BCCI for not arranging farewell matches for players with 100 Test appearances for India, particularly mentioning Pujara, Rohit, and Kohli.

“It’s quite likely that he [Pujara] retired because he was frustrated. Anyone would get frustrated if they aren’t given opportunities after playing for the nation for such a long time,” Ghavri stated in an interview with an Indian news outlet.

“Before the recent tour of England, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma must have experienced the same frustration. While the BCCI may have its own strategies, the player is the one who ultimately suffers.

“These athletes aren’t requesting millions of rupees. It is all about respect, and they all earned that farewell Test, without a doubt.

“All players with 100 Test appearances should be celebrated with a farewell match. Given their significant contributions to the sport, the BCCI ought to have given Kohli, Rohit, and Pujara that honor.

“Nobody wants to end their career in this manner. Anyone who has played for the country in 100 or more Tests has made a significant contribution without a doubt. He [Pujara] is a member of that esteemed group of players.”