Test Match: “Cheteshwar Pujara regrets not heeding Rohit Sharma’s advice, revealing his stubbornness in a candid reflection on his cricketing decisions.”
Cheteshwar Pujara and Rohit Sharma: A Lasting Friendship in Indian Cricket
Cheteshwar Pujara and Rohit Sharma’s journey in Indian cricket began many years ago. Their first appearance together on the international stage was during the 2006 Under-19 World Cup, a moment that remains a fond memory for cricket fans around the world. Fast forward to today, both have become important players for India, each contributing in their own unique way. Though they haven’t batted together frequently in Test matches, their long-standing bond and shared memories continue to define their friendship, both on and off the field.
Over the years, Pujara and Rohit’s cricketing paths have taken different directions. Rohit is known for his aggressive performances in limited-overs cricket but struggled to find consistency in Test matches for a long time. This meant that the two didn’t always have the chance to bat together in Tests. Pujara, a Test specialist, built key partnerships with other Indian players like Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane. Despite this, his moments with Rohit have always been memorable, adding an extra layer to their cricketing journey.
One of their most memorable moments happened during India’s home Test series against South Africa in 2019. Rohit, in his usual playful style, was caught on camera shouting “Bhaag Pujji” followed by an expletive. While this moment was lighthearted and humorous, it highlighted the essence of their friendship honest, spontaneous, and rooted in years of shared experiences.
Rohit and Pujara’s Friendship Proves Time and Space Don’t Matter
Although the two haven’t played together since 2021, their bond is still strong. A recent press conference proved this. After Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket, Rohit, in a slip of the tongue, mentioned Pujara in a funny remark that had everyone laughing. “Pujara is hiding somewhere in Rajkot, so we don’t meet so often. Let me clarify, Pujara has not retired. You’ll get me killed,” Rohit said, proving their friendship remains intact despite the distance.
Their connection was evident once again during the launch of Pujara’s wife Pooja’s book, The Diary of a Cricketer’s Wife. At the event, Rohit reminisced about a funny incident from their 2012 West Indies tour, when Pujara, ignoring advice from teammates, went out late at night. What followed was an adventure that became a memorable story for both. Rohit jokingly said, “I’m sure it’s not written in the book. Is there anything about that West Indies tour of India A in 2012? What happened?”
Pujara then shared the details, revealing that despite his vegetarian diet, his late-night quest for a meal in Trinidad and Tobago took an unexpected turn. “We were looking for a vegetarian meal at night, but when we were walking back, I was mugged. I can’t tell you all the details, but that’s the story Rohit is talking about,” Pujara explained.
Rohit, with his usual humor, added, “The moral of the story is that he can be stubborn. We told him not to go out at night. Don’t step out after 9 PM. This is the West Indies.”
Pujara’s First Test Century: The Beginning of His Career
Pujara made his debut for India in 2010, playing his first Test match against Australia in Bengaluru. After a strong start, he was dropped from the team for a short time. However, his determination paid off, and he returned to the team in 2012, scoring his first Test century against New Zealand. This marked the beginning of his solid place in India’s Test lineup.
Through all the highs and lows, Pujara and Rohit have always respected each other, both as cricketers and as individuals. Their friendship has stood the test of time, rising above the competitive nature of international cricket. Whether on the field or in their personal lives, the bond between these two Indian cricket legends remains as strong as ever, reminding fans of the importance of camaraderie and the unforgettable stories that shape cricket careers.
As both continue to play for India, fans can look forward to even more stories, laughs, and perhaps more unforgettable moments between Pujara and Rohit in the years to come.