'Retired out of frustration' - Former all-rounder feels veteran Pujara deserves farewell match

Former Indian all-rounder Karsan Ghavri recently expressed that it is highly likely that Cheteshwar Pujara announced his retirement from international cricket due to frustration on not being able to cement his spot in the Test setup despite his experience. Pujara recently hung up his boots from all forms of cricket with immediate effetc, having last played an international match way back in June 2023.

Ghavri, the 74-year-old, even likened ace batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to have called time on Test cricket for the same reason. Ghavri opined that all of Pujara, Kohli and Rohit deserved a farewell Test at the bare minimum, and that the BCCI did not show any efforts to mark a respective end to the legendary cricketers' careers.

“It’s possible, he 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," stated Ghavri, as quoted by Mid-Day.

Ghavri, who also belongs to Pujara's hometown Rajkot, feels that the 37-year-old contributed as much as Kohli and Rohit to Test cricket for the Indian team, re-emphasizing the need for a farewell for players having represented in 100-plus games.

“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,” added Ghavri.

3 players who can likely be India's next Cheteshwar Pujara

Also Read

3 players who can likely be India's next Cheteshwar Pujara

Pujara played 103 Tests (176 innings) for India. He registered 7195 runs at an average of 43.60 with 35 fifties and 19 hundreds to his name. He also had three double centuries in his illustrious career, known for grit and patient brand of batsmanship. The 37-year-old has played several gritty and defiant innings during his red-ball stint with the national setup.