Cheteshwar Pujara has shed light on why he stepped away from professional cricket, days after announcing the end of his storied career. The veteran batter, who last played a Test for India in 2023, was preparing for another domestic season when the decision changed course. Speaking to PTI, he said, “When I was in the UK (on broadcasting duties during Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy), I was actually looking forward to the season. But once I came back home, I was settling in and when I was about to start my preparation for the Ranji Trophy, I wanted to speak to my family, to my friends, some of my colleagues. What are their thoughts on me playing this season." Read also: Mohit Sharma Remembers CLT20 Moment with MS Dhoni “Best Time to Move On” – Pujara’s Emotional Farewell Cheteshwar Pujara has been away from the international Test team since he last featured in the 2023 World Test Championship Final against Australia at The Oval. After that, India has been experimenting a lot in the middle order but rarely got a positive result. Pujara said that the retirement call came out of responsibility. He didn't want to eat a space in the Rajni team when a young prodigy can shine for Saurashtra. He remarked, “So I thought that it was the best time for me to move on and provide an opportunity to the younger player who can be part of the Saurashtra team." The former Test specialist reflected on family support during his journey. Pujara's mother, Reena Pujara, passed away due to cancer when he was 17. It was Arvind Pujara, his father, his coach and a former Saurashtra cricketer, who guided him in his career. Thanking them Pujara got a bit emotional and said, "It was an emotional moment for him as well. He also was an inspiration for me because his commitment towards cricket was excellent and I’ve learnt a lot from him. But I also would like to thank my mom. I lost my mom when I was 17 because of cancer, but she taught me a lot of things. She taught me to be a good human being. My wife Pooja as well, she has written a book where she writes that it takes a village for a person to be a successful cricketer."