In a world where cricket often takes center stage in Indian households, The Diary of a Cricketer’s Wife offers a refreshing, emotional, and deeply personal view from just outside the boundary line. Written by Puja Pujara, wife of celebrated Indian Test cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara, the book was launched in Mumbai on Thursday evening at a well-attended event featuring cricketing legends Anil Kumble and Rohit Sharma.
Puja, who entered the cricketing world as an outsider, uses the book to share her unique journey, from knowing nothing about the sport to becoming a vital part of the Pujara household, managing everything from emotional support to understanding sports nutrition for her vegetarian husband. Her honesty shines through as she balances vulnerability with grace, offering readers not just anecdotes but insight into the life of a cricketer’s family in a cricket-obsessed nation.
The launch event felt more like a cozy chat between friends than a formal book release. Anil Kumble spoke warmly about mentoring Cheteshwar during a tough series, while Rohit Sharma shared nostalgic memories of traveling by Mumbai locals as a young player. Cheteshwar became visibly emotional when discussing the chapter on his late mother, recalling how her advice—“Be a good human before a great cricketer”—continues to guide him.
Puja’s storytelling is rich with detail and heart, from the couple’s first meeting at a relative’s home to navigating life in a male-dominated household. Her father’s initial disinterest in cricket makes for a humorous but touching moment—especially when her mother unexpectedly admits to having seen Cheteshwar play.
But this book is more than just a behind-the-scenes look at cricket. It’s about family, sacrifice, perseverance, and love. Readers will appreciate how Puja brings to life Cheteshwar’s journey from the railway quarters of Rajkot to the elite world of international Test cricket.
In the end, The Diary of a Cricketer’s Wife is not just about cricket; it’s about the stories that happen off the pitch—the quiet strength of a partner, the weight of expectations, and the enduring power of love and resilience.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to live with someone who plays for India, this is your front-row seat.