Veteran India batter opens up on resilience, faith, and the challenges of modern cricket
Cheteshwar Pujara, known for his unflinching patience and calm presence at the crease, has once again opened a window into the mindset that has sustained his long career. In a candid conversation, the Indian Test stalwart reflected on his journey through the highs and lows of international cricket, underlining the role of inner strength, discipline, and spirituality in dealing with setbacks.
A career of grit and survival
For over a decade, Pujara has been India’s wall in Test cricket, often tasked with wearing down some of the world’s fiercest bowling attacks. But the journey has not been without its struggles. He has faced criticism for his strike rate, endured periods of being dropped from the squad, and battled injuries. Yet, his ability to stage comebacks has defined his career.
“When you play cricket at the highest level, there will always be phases when things don’t go your way,” Pujara said. “That is when you need to dig deep, remain patient, and believe in yourself. For me, in tough times, it is spiritual power that gives me strength.”
The role of spirituality
While many athletes talk about fitness and technical preparation, Pujara highlights the importance of faith and spiritual grounding. He explained that his resilience has always been closely tied to his spiritual practices, which help him stay composed under pressure.
“I believe spirituality keeps you balanced. Success can make you overconfident and failure can make you doubt yourself. What keeps me steady is knowing there is a bigger purpose beyond runs and centuries,” he said.
Pujara revealed that meditation, prayer, and reflection form an essential part of his daily routine. “It helps me silence the noise around me. In our profession, there will always be external opinions, but your inner belief matters most.”
Handling criticism and comebacks
The Saurashtra batter has often been scrutinised for his slow scoring rate in modern cricket’s fast-paced environment. However, Pujara brushed aside the criticism, saying he has always focused on what the team requires rather than public perception.
“There will always be critics. But I have always believed that Test cricket is about temperament. My job is to absorb pressure so others can play freely. If the team appreciates your role, that is enough motivation,” he explained.
Pujara has also shown remarkable determination in making comebacks, both in domestic cricket and county stints in England. He credited these experiences for keeping him sharp. “When you play in different conditions, against different bowlers, you keep learning. That hunger to improve never goes away.”
Inspiration for younger players
Asked about what advice he shares with youngsters, Pujara emphasised the need for patience in an era dominated by instant results. “Young cricketers want to succeed quickly, but the game teaches you that progress takes time. Failures are part of growth. If you stay disciplined and trust the process, success will follow,” he said.
He also encouraged aspiring players to focus on mental fitness. “The game is 70% mental. Even if your technique is perfect, without the right mindset, you cannot perform under pressure. That is where mental training, spiritual grounding, and discipline play a big role.”
Looking ahead
Though no longer a regular fixture in India’s playing XI, Pujara remains determined to continue contributing to the sport. He is active in domestic cricket and is often seen mentoring younger teammates.
“As long as I enjoy the game and feel I can add value, I will keep playing. Records, numbers, and recognition are temporary, but what stays with you is the satisfaction of giving your best for your team and country,” he said.
A legacy beyond numbers
Cheteshwar Pujara’s words reflect a cricketer who measures his journey not just in runs scored but in lessons learned. In a cricketing landscape increasingly driven by power-hitting and glamour, his philosophy offers a reminder of the timeless virtues of patience, grit, and inner strength.
“Cricket has given me everything, but the real strength comes from within. In tough times, you need that spiritual power. That is what keeps me going,” he concluded.
