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Cheteshwar Pujara Reflects on Disciplined Routine and IPL Late-Night Party Culture

Former Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara has reflected on his time in the Indian Premier League (IPL), highlighting the contrast between his deeply ingrained early-morning discipline and the league’s late-night social environment.

What Happened

During an appearance on JioHotstar’s show ‘Cheeky Singles’, Cheteshwar Pujara discussed navigating the social lifestyle of the IPL alongside the strict habits taught to him in childhood. Having been coached by his father from the age of eight to wake up early for practice, Pujara adhered to an early-morning schedule that differed significantly from the tournament’s post-match gatherings.

Pujara explained that post-game parties often began around 1:30 AM or 2:00 AM. Because of his punctual nature, he would arrive first, while other attendees usually showed up around 3:00 AM. After staying briefly, Pujara would depart to maintain his rest schedule, waking up at 7:30 AM for breakfast. He noted that while several players were present at breakfast, he soon discovered they had not slept yet and had come straight from the night’s events before going to bed.

Additionally, Pujara recalled his initial interactions with actor and Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner Shah Rukh Khan. While acknowledging a natural fanboy excitement, Pujara emphasised the importance of maintaining his primary focus on cricket and the squad’s competitive atmosphere.

Key Highlights

  • Early Training Foundation: Pujara’s daily schedule was shaped by his father, who began coaching him at age eight with an emphasis on early-morning training sessions.
  • IPL Schedule Contrast: While post-match celebrations ran late into the night and early morning, Pujara maintained his habit of waking up early by 7:30 AM.
  • Franchise History: Pujara represented Kolkata Knight Riders in 2009–10, played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings between 2011 and 2014, and was part of Chennai Super Kings’ championship-winning squad in 2021.
  • Shah Rukh Khan Interaction: Pujara acknowledged experiencing a fanboy moment upon meeting KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan while focusing on his sporting commitments.
  • International Career Overview: Pujara retired from international cricket in 2025, finishing with 103 Test appearances, 7,195 runs, 19 hundreds, and 35 half-centuries at an average of 43.60.

Why This Matters

Pujara’s recollections offer direct insight into how individual professional routines and upbringing intersect with the demanding and active off-field environment of franchise cricket tournaments.

What to Watch Next

Pujara has retired from international cricket following a career that concluded with 103 Tests for India, leaving behind a substantial record in red-ball cricket.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which IPL teams did Cheteshwar Pujara play for?

Pujara played for Kolkata Knight Riders during the 2009–10 season, represented Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings between 2011 and 2014, and was a member of the title-winning Chennai Super Kings squad in 2021.

What did Pujara say about meeting Shah Rukh Khan?

Pujara mentioned that meeting Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner Shah Rukh Khan was a fanboy moment, though he maintained that a player’s core reason for being on the team must remain focused on cricket and the team environment.

When did Cheteshwar Pujara retire from international cricket?

Pujara retired from international cricket in 2025 after playing 103 Test matches and scoring 7,195 runs for India.

Source: Information based on statements made on JioHotstar’s ‘Cheeky Singles’ via CricTracker.