Cheteshwar PujaraIn Indian cricket, Journey is often noted for his patience, suffocation and ability to ground bowling attacks. But many knew that his career had come to a standstill almost before it had even begun. This was during his early union Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2010 The season, he suffered a major ACL injury before getting a game here. Injury threatened his cricket career at a crucial time when he was emerging as just a domestic star. In this moment of uncertainty, KKR co-exposed Shah Rukh Khan stepped up and provided remarkable support. The story was recently rehashed following revelations made by Pujara’s wife in her book highlighting Khan’s personal involvement.
Srk’s intervention when Cheteshwar Pujara’s career was in danger
Shah Rukh learned about Pujara’s injury at a time when the young man and his family were devastated. The seriousness of an ACL tear, especially for a well-known cricketer, especially for a cricketer who relies on toughness and precision footwork at the crease. Pujara had yet to make his debut in Test cricket and had yet to establish his reputation, which was further exacerbated by the timing of the injury. Shah Rukh assured the family that Pujara has a bright future and will receive the best medical care.
‘Destiny forced him to brave a ball for a catch he never had; and the result: a torn anterior cruciate ligament, impending surgery and a temporarily stunted career – all without playing a single game for KKR Puja pujarawrote in the diary of a cricketer’s wife.
The KKR management organized the operation in Cape Town, managed all the necessary documents and ensured that Pujara received treatment from trusted doctors. To ease the family’s stress, even Pujara’s father flew to South Africa so that emotional support remained intact. This gesture reflected a deep sense of responsibility towards the player, rather than a transactional one. The recovery was long and tedious, but the garden formed during this difficult period is remembered as a turning point. The operation was a success, Pujara regained his physical confidence and soon became a pillar of India’s Test batting. This case highlights how compassionate leadership can impact sports careers off the field.
“Shah Rukh also told me that Chintu has a great future ahead of him and when he needed the best medical treatment, I was worried about the lack of support system in South Africa and Dr. Shah’s lack of ability, he offered to be with me any family member I wanted” Pujara’s father was explained.
“We’ll fly down whoever you want for the operation. We’ll pay them here to have your own people around you.” A representative told Pujara’s family, as mentioned in the book.
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Pujara’s return and the legacy of that support
Once recovered, Pujara was in no rush for his comeback. Months rebuilt his technique and muscle strength, as stability on his front was stable on his front knee for the defensive play he was known for. His determination showed in his Ranji trophy performances, where he again caught the selectors’ eyes and started scoring again. His Test debut in 2010 was followed by double innings in the boundary-Gavaskar series, notably marathon knocks that helped India win historic matches.
While his IPL career never became a defining part of his journey, his role in test cricket became something monumental. He made 10 appearances in two seasons in 2009 and 2010, then represented Royal Paintings Bengaluru (RCB) and kings of punjab (pbks) Short eyes. His strengths were better suited to the longer format where his patience and technique could flourish. Pujara went on to play 103 Tests for India, scoring 7,195 at 43.60, becoming one of the mainstays of the team’s batting in the prescribed period. His final appearance has arrived World Test Championship 2023 Final against Australia.
Shah Rukh’s early faith and practical support played a silent but crucial role here, the Pujara family openly admits now. The memory of this gesture is preserved not in statistics, but in gratitude. It shows that sometimes a career is shaped not only by talent and discipline, but also by faith and trust from influential people. Later, Pujara became one of India’s most reliable Test prospects from over 100 Test matches and a reputation built on stamina, concentration and consistency.
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