The Diary of a Cricketer’s Wife by Puja Pujara on being wife of a sportsman, cricketer Chateshwar Pujara is heartfelt and candid. This unusual memoir is published by Harpercollins
It is the first time; a sportsman’s better half has presented her story that include the challenges and experiences. Saurashtra cricketer, Chateshwar Pujara’s wife Puja Pujara has written The Diary of a Cricketer’s Wife – A Very Unusual Memoir in association with Namita Kala.
She brings her unique perspective on what it takes to be a cricketer’s wife. The challenges both on and off the field and the expectations from a cricket-crazy nation.
Puja married Chateshwar in 2013 and from not knowing a thing about cricket to being wife of a player in the Indian cricket team to understanding the nuances of the game and learning to help with ensuring nutrition for her vegetarian sportsman husband it has been an eventful journey. The book offers a ringside view of a cricketer’s life and about how she took charge of the household as a sole woman in the house.
In The Diary of a Cricketer’s Wife, Puja brings a unique perspective on what it takes to be a cricketer’s wife, the pressures of managing expectations on both personal and professional fronts and the struggles, vulnerabilities and triumphs of being so closely associated with the game in a cricket-crazy nation. Alongside, she offers a rare glimpse into Cheteshwar Pujara’s life, from playing street cricket at a railway colony in Rajkot to eventually becoming one of the greatest test cricketers in India, and the sacrifices his parents made to ensure he fulfilled his dream despite their difficult circumstances.
On occasion of the launch – she mentions – “Chateshwar Pujara is stubborn, yet accommodating, secretive but with nothing to hide. He is spiritual without being sanctimonious and loves cracking silly jokes. His journey, from the streets of Rajkot to international cricket, is a unique one that I have had the privilege to be a part of and witness from close quarters. I truly believe that there is something for everyone in the Cheteshwar Pujara story and that is why I have taken time out to write this book.”
Indian Cricketers Anil Kumble, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman gave rave reviews of the book. Dravid said it is a ‘must read’. VVS Laxman shared, “Puja has candidly weaved together the highs and lows of a great career, especially bringing to life the off-field challenges and sacrifices that contribute to succeeding the highest level.
The Diary of a Cricketer’s Wife published by Harpercollins is a testament to the resilience and passion that define Cheteshwar as well as the couple’s enduring love and commitment to each other—a rollercoaster of emotions.
Book Details
The Diary of a Cricketer’s Wife – A Very Unusual Memoir
Authors; Puja Pujara and Namita Kale
Published: Harpercollins
Publishing Date: 29 April, 2025
Cost: Ra 400 Paperback (Amazon)
Extract:
‘What do you know about the boy?’ Dad asked. ‘He plays cricket for
India,’ Fufaji replied, as if this mere fact was a clincher. The
announcement did not make any noticeable impression on my
father and Geeta Didi, because, like me, they did not follow cricket.
‘I’ve seen him play,’ announced my mother, astounding us all. ‘You
have?’ I asked, dumbfounded.
