Last Updated:
Karsan Ghavri has criticised BCCI for lack of clarity on Cheteshwar Pujara’s future, suggesting frustration led to his retirement from Indian cricket.
Cheteshwar Pujara scored 2074 runs in 25 Tests against Australia. (Picture Credit: AFP)
Former India all-rounder Karsan Ghavri has said that Cheteshwar Pujara might have retired out of frustration, since he had represented the country for so long but wasn’t given proper clarity by the BCCI over his future with the Indian cricket team, slamming the board’s approach towards veteran cricketers.
Pujara, who last featured for India in the 2023 World Test Championship Final, had been out of the national setup for two years despite consistent performances in the Ranji Trophy.
Pujara, a key figure in India’s consecutive Test series victories over Australia, ended his career with 7,195 runs in 103 games at an average of 43.6, including 19 hundreds and 35 fifties.
Ghavri suggested that Pujara decided to retire out of frustration, much like senior Indian batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who walked away from Tests as well.
“It is possible, he [Pujara] may have retired out of frustration. After representing the country for so long, if a player isn’t getting chances, anyone will be frustrated. Similarly, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma must have felt that frustration too before the recent England tour,” Ghavri said while speaking to Mid-Day.
“The BCCI may have their own ideas, but ultimately, the player suffers. These players aren’t demanding crores of rupees. It is all about honour and they all deserved that farewell Test, 110 per cent,” Ghavri added.
The former India allrounder emphasised that cricketers with 100-plus Test appearances, like Pujara and Kohli, deserve a proper farewell game.
“All those who have played 100 Tests should be honoured with a farewell match. The BCCI should have given that honour to Kohli and Pujara, as they thoroughly deserved it considering their huge contribution to the game,” Ghavri said.
“No one wants to end their career like this. If someone has represented the country in 100 or more Tests, it is most definitely a sizeable contribution. He [Pujara] belongs to that distinguished list of players,” Ghavri added.
Read More
