Pujara joins the pickleball revolution:Former India cricketer reveals ‘bowler friends were happy on retirement’; wanted Tendulkar, Dravid’s skillset

Former India cricketer and batsman Cheteshwar Pujara was in Mumbai on Tuesday to promote the emerging sport of pickleball and joined as the brand ambassador for Phorce club, a pioneering company dedicated to building the ecosystem for Pickleball in India. The 37-year-old, who has had over 7000 runs playing over 100 test matches, said that he has naturally been drawn to sports since he was a child, which has fuelled the competitive spirit within him. ‘My bowler friends say they’re happy I’ve retired’- Pujara While speaking to Bhaskar English, Cheteshwar Pujara revealed hilarious incident about his retirement. The former India cricketer said, “My bowler friends say they’re happy I’ve retired, as they don’t like bowling to me.” He even said that the Bollywood song, befitting his style of batting, is ‘O Paalanhaare’ from the Lagaan movie. Former India cricketer says he plays pickleball ‘competitively’ With pickleball growing as a sport in India and several players even getting global fame and recognition, Pujara says, “Badminton and Tennis are sports I’ve been playing since childhood. Puja, my wife, also mentioned that this sport helps bring family members together. In Rajkot, we had limited facilities for cricket and other sports. Now things are progressing. This sport is picking up. When I heard the idea, I decided to be a part of it. I don’t like losing and play it competitively. Besides, this sport is not strenuous. But it’s for all kids, the elderly and helps in family bonding as well as increases social activity. It’s already popular in India and globally, picking up quickly. It’s a family sport. ” ‘Facing Pat Cummins was a challenge’ Reflecting on his career challenges, Pujara stated that the most troublesome side in his career. Notably. Australian bowler Pat Cummins is someone who has really challenged him during his playing days. “I’ve had many battles on the field. He dismissed me a few times. I always had to think how to counter him, but still had reasonable success against him,” Pujara said Pujara’s stance on Mohammad Shami While speaking of former teammate Mohammad Shami, Pujara said, “He is slow, takes his own time to get ready. He sleeps 10-12 hours every day to switch off. He’s always late on the bus but gives it his all on the field.” Pujara wanted combined skillset of Tendulkar, Dravid, and Ganguly “I always enjoyed watching Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly. Sachin’s straight drive, Dravid’s cover drive and Sourav Ganguly’s off side, it would be the best thing if I had all three players’ skills,” former Indian cricketer said during the interview. Ashwin best opponent pick for Pickleball, wishes best for Team India’s Asia Cup campaign When asked who his preferred partner from the Indian team would be in Pickleball, Pujara said, “I want someone who makes fewer errors. Would take Ashwin as a doubles partner, he’s good at badminton, tennis too. Ashwin is tough to beat in tennis and a very competitive person.” “Currently, the Indian team is doing well, wish them best and want them to win the Asia Cup. Other sports must do well and come up. We saw players winning medals in different sports. Being a sportsperson, it’s a proud moment when I see other athletes doing well. They make our nation proud. Hope we have pickeball medals as well. Before I picked up cricket, I played multiple sports. I know what it takes to build a sports ecosystem, ” Pujji further stated about India’s Asia Cup 2025 campaign and importance of building culture for other sports as well.