Cheteshwar Pujara's recent retirement from all forms of Indian cricket has reignited the debate surrounding farewells for veteran cricketers and the BCCI's handling of senior players. The 37-year-old, who played 103 Tests and scored 7,195 runs, announced his decision on August 24, 2025, bringing an end to a career marked by resilience and a classical Test match approach.
Following Pujara's announcement, reactions poured in, with many praising his contributions to Indian cricket. However, amidst the tributes, a sense of disappointment lingered over the lack of a proper send-off. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed his regret, stating that Pujara deserved a "dignified farewell" worthy of his outstanding Test career. He acknowledged Pujara's impressive performances in domestic cricket after being dropped from the national side, but noted that the selectors had moved on.
Former India bowler Karsan Ghavri went a step further, suggesting that Pujara might have retired out of "frustration". Ghavri argued that after representing the country for so long, a player is bound to feel frustrated if not given opportunities. He drew parallels with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, suggesting they too might have felt similar frustration. "All those who have played 100 Tests, should be honoured with a farewell match," Ghavri asserted, emphasizing the significant contributions of these players. He criticized the BCCI for not showing efforts to mark a fitting end to the careers of legendary cricketers.
The debate over farewell matches isn't new in Indian cricket. Several prominent players, including MS Dhoni, Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh, Virender Sehwag, and Zaheer Khan, have retired without a formal send-off. This has often led to discussions about the BCCI's policies and its approach to honoring retiring legends.
Some argue that a farewell match is a significant event that allows fans and teammates to celebrate a player's career. It provides an opportunity to acknowledge their contributions and give them a fitting send-off. However, others believe that a farewell match should not be a necessity, and a player's legacy should speak for itself. Ravichandran Ashwin, for instance, has stated that he doesn't believe in the importance of a farewell match.
Beyond the farewell debate, Pujara's retirement has also brought attention to the broader issue of how the BCCI treats senior players. There have been instances where the board has been accused of giving "special treatment" to certain players, potentially disrupting team harmony. For example, Sanjay Manjrekar criticized the BCCI for treating players differently based on their stature and reputation, citing the example of Kohli and Rohit not playing in the Duleep Trophy. He suggested that this "preferential treatment" could be detrimental to both the players and Indian cricket.
Reports have also surfaced about Rohit Sharma's uncertain future and Virat Kohli's dilemma regarding his retirement timeline. Some reports suggest that Rohit is being pushed aside, while Virat must decide whether to continue until 2027 or step away sooner. This has led to questions about the BCCI's compassion and its appreciation for long-term contributions.
The issue of communication and transparency between the BCCI and senior players has also been raised. It's been suggested that if players feel sidelined or treated differently, it could lead to dissatisfaction and strain relationships. Ensuring open communication and treating all players fairly, regardless of their status, is crucial for maintaining a healthy environment within the team.
As the debate continues, it's clear that Cheteshwar Pujara's retirement has touched a nerve within the Indian cricket community. It has highlighted the need for a more consistent and transparent approach to handling senior players, ensuring they receive the respect and recognition they deserve. Whether or not farewell matches become the norm, the BCCI faces the challenge of creating a system that honors the contributions of its legends while also fostering a fair and competitive environment for all players.
