Cheteshwar Pujara’s Wife Reveals Shocking Truth About India’s 2018-19 Australia Tour: ‘Someone Wanted to Drop Him’

When India triumphed on Australian soil in the historic 2018-19 Test series, it was hailed as one of the team’s greatest achievements. Among the architects of that unforgettable win was Cheteshwar Pujara — a man known not for flamboyance, but for sheer grit, patience, and the kind of old-school batting that wears bowlers down. But behind his calm demeanor and stoic batting lay a battle of a different kind — one that most fans never saw coming.

Recently, Pujara’s wife, Puja Pujara, lifted the lid on a startling behind-the-scenes moment from that very tour. Speaking candidly, she revealed that someone within the system wanted to drop her husband — right before he went on to become the series hero. Her comments have sparked fresh conversations about selection politics, perseverance under pressure, and the resilience it takes to succeed at the highest level.

Let’s unpack what happened, why it matters, and what it says about the world of elite cricket.

The 2018-19 Series: A Quick Recap

India’s tour of Australia in 2018-19 was historic for many reasons. It was the first time an Indian team won a Test series Down Under — a feat achieved under the leadership of Virat Kohli and the guidance of head coach Ravi Shastri.

Cheteshwar Pujara emerged as the unlikely hero of the series. In four Tests, he scored 521 runs at an average of 74.42, including three centuries. More importantly, he faced 1,258 deliveries — the most by any player in a four-match Test series in Australia. His ability to blunt the Aussie attack, tire their pacers, and hold the innings together allowed others like Kohli and Rishabh Pant to play more freely around him.

It’s no exaggeration to say: without Pujara, India might not have won that series.

The Shocking Revelation

Fast forward to 2024, and Puja Pujara — usually a private person — shared a deeply personal detail in a public interview. Speaking about the 2018-19 tour, she said:

“I still remember before the Australia series, someone told him [Cheteshwar] that ‘we’re thinking of dropping you’. It was heartbreaking. But the way he came back and proved everyone wrong — I will never forget that.”

She didn’t name the person behind the threat of dropping him, but the message was clear — not everyone in Indian cricket was convinced that Pujara deserved a place in the XI. Some felt his strike rate was too slow, that he didn’t suit the aggressive brand of cricket the team was promoting.

But what followed next was a masterclass in mental strength and character.

Why Was Pujara’s Spot in Doubt?

To understand the context, it’s important to know how Pujara was viewed in Indian cricket around that time.

While he had always been praised for his technique and temperament, critics often labeled him as “too slow” or “defensive.” In a team brimming with aggressive stroke-players like Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and even young stars like Rishabh Pant, Pujara’s traditional style was seen by some as outdated.

Before the Australia series, his performances were steady but not spectacular. And in an era where flashy stroke-play often grabs the headlines, his methodical, grind-it-out approach didn’t always sit well with the powers that be. So, even though he had the numbers to back him, whispers about his place in the side grew louder.

The Power of Resilience

Puja’s revelation sheds light on an often overlooked aspect of elite sports — the mental toll. Imagine preparing for one of the biggest tours of your life, only to hear that your spot is under threat. For most, that kind of pressure would be overwhelming. But Pujara did what he does best — he stayed quiet, stayed focused, and let his bat do the talking.

His performances weren’t just good — they were series-defining. He faced relentless pace from the likes of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc on lively Aussie pitches, and never flinched. He occupied the crease for hours, absorbing pressure and allowing his teammates to shine.

By the end of the series, the same voices that questioned his place were hailing him as the cornerstone of India’s historic win.

Bigger Picture: What It Tells Us About Cricket and Selection

Cricket, especially in India, is about more than just numbers. It’s also about narratives, perceptions, and sometimes internal politics. Puja Pujara’s comments bring to light how even a seasoned, proven performer like her husband isn’t immune to doubt and scrutiny.

It also reminds us how fragile a cricketer’s career can be — even one tour, one innings, or one decision by the selectors can change everything. For young players watching, it’s a lesson in perseverance. For fans, it’s a reminder that success on the field often comes after silent battles off it.

Conclusion: A Story of Grit Behind the Glory

Cheteshwar Pujara’s 2018-19 tour of Australia is now etched in Indian cricket folklore. But thanks to his wife’s heartfelt revelation, we now know that it wasn’t just a physical or technical triumph — it was an emotional one too.

In a world where flashy strokes and social media presence often define a player’s popularity, Pujara remains a symbol of old-fashioned values: hard work, patience, and quiet determination. And now, we also see the strong support system — like his wife Puja — who stood by him in those difficult moments.

Her words remind us that heroes aren’t always born in the spotlight. Sometimes, they’re forged in silence — one ball at a time, one innings at a time, against the odds.