Karsan Ghavri says Cheteshwar Pujara might have retired out of frustration

Former Indian bowler Karsan Ghavri reckons Cheteshwar Pujara might have retired out of frustration. Earlier, it was reported that Pujara is looking forward to playing in the upcoming Ranji Trophy season for Saurashtra but he announced his retirement from all forms of the game on Sunday.

Pujara played 103 Tests and 5 ODIs for India after making his debut back in 2010. He scored 7,195 Test runs at an average of 43.60, with 19 hundreds and 35 fifties.

Pujara’s last Test appearance came in the ICC Test Championship final 2023 against Australia at the Kennington Oval, London when he returned with scores of 14 and 27.

Ghavri said players like Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma all deserved farewell Test matches but it was not entertained by the BCCI.

Karsan Ghavri told Mid-Day, “It’s possible, he [Pujara] may have retired out of frustration. After representing the country for so long, if a player is not getting chances, anyone will be frustrated. Similarly, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma must have felt that frustration too before the recent England tour. The BCCI may have their own ideas, but ultimately, the player suffers. These players are not demanding crores of rupees. It’s all about honour and they all deserved that farewell Test, 110 per cent.”

Ghavri reckons a player who has played more than 100 Test matches for India, should be given a farewell match by the Indian board.

“All those who have played 100 Tests, should be honoured with a farewell match. The BCCI should have given that honour to Kohli, Rohit and Pujara as they thoroughly deserved it considering their huge contribution to the game. 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,” he said.

Pujara will be seen doing commentary stints in his future endeavours.