Cheteshwar Pujara, while not widely known for his contributions in the Indian Premier League (IPL), once faced a turning point in his career back in 2009, long before establishing himself as a reliable Test batsman for India. At the young age of 21, Pujara had earned a spot in the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) roster following an impressive domestic season. However, a serious knee injury during a practice match jeopardized his budding career.
A lesser-known narrative from that year is chronicled in “The Diary of a Cricketer’s Wife,” authored by Pujara’s wife, Puja, and scheduled for release in 2025. The account reveals how his cricket journey almost came to an untimely end and the crucial role played by Shah Rukh Khan and KKR in supporting him during this challenging time.
The unfortunate injury occurred during a routine practice session when Pujara attempted to take a catch, leading to a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament and the prospect of surgery without him having played a single game for KKR. The book highlights the dramatic escalation of circumstances that followed.
KKR’s management stepped up to take full responsibility, assuring Pujara that they would cover all medical expenses and even organized for him to have surgery in Cape Town, South Africa, where specialists in sports injuries were available. Though Pujara’s father expressed concerns regarding the lack of a support system and wanted to seek treatment from a trusted family doctor in India, Shah Rukh Khan personally intervened. He emphasized the necessity of top-tier medical care for Pujara, reassuring his father that everything would be arranged for them in South Africa.
In an act of solidarity, KKR swiftly facilitated the necessary travel arrangements, encompassing passports, visas, and logistics, turning what seemed unmanageable into reality. Shah Rukh Khan assured them that they could bring along anyone they wished to support Pujara during his surgery, demonstrating the franchise’s commitment to its players.
The successful surgery led to Pujara’s complete recovery. Although his IPL career didn’t flourish as anticipated, he rebounded to become one of India’s most trusted Test batsmen, contributing significantly with numerous match-winning performances over the years.
This insightful account from Puja Pujara’s book not only sheds light on the human aspects of Shah Rukh Khan but also highlights the professionalism and care extended by KKR, illustrating how timely intervention can profoundly influence a player’s career trajectory. The story stands as a testament to resilience and support in the face of adversity, serving as a reminder of the power of compassion in sports.