The Unexpected Guardian Angel
Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan, known worldwide for his cinematic roles, played a real-life hero in rescuing Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara's career from a potentially devastating injury. The heartwarming revelation comes from Pujara's wife, Puja Pujara, in her recently released book The Diary of a Cricketer's Wife, shedding light on a little-known chapter of cricket history.
The Career-Threatening Moment
During the 2010 Indian Premier League season, a young Cheteshwar Pujara had just joined the Kolkata Knight Riders franchise with high hopes. However, destiny had other plans. While chasing a catch that was never within reach, Pujara suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) - an injury that has ended many promising athletic careers.
The timing couldn't have been worse. Pujara hadn't even made it to the playing XI for KKR when the injury struck, putting his entire cricket future in jeopardy. As Puja Pujara wrote in her book, the incident left him facing surgery and a temporarily halted career without having played a single game for his new team.
SRK's Extraordinary Support System
What happened next demonstrates Shah Rukh Khan's character beyond the silver screen. The superstar, who co-owns KKR, personally stepped in to ensure Pujara received the best possible medical care. Shah Rukh arranged for Pujara's surgery in Cape Town, South Africa, recognizing that world-class treatment was essential for the young cricketer's recovery.
The support extended far beyond medical arrangements. The KKR management took complete responsibility for all logistics, including handling passports, visas, and travel arrangements. Understanding the emotional stress of undergoing major surgery in a foreign country, they even flew Pujara's father to South Africa to provide companionship and support during the critical recovery period.
Pujara's father recalled Shah Rukh's reassuring words: "Shah Rukh also told me that Chintu had a great future ahead of him and should have the best available medical treatment." When concerns arose about the absence of a support system in South Africa, the actor immediately offered to fly down any family members the Pujaras wanted to have with them.
A KKR representative reinforced this commitment, stating: "We'll also fly down anyone you want for the surgery. We'll pay them here so that you have your own people around you."
The Remarkable Comeback
The successful surgery and comprehensive recovery support paved the way for one of Indian cricket's most inspiring comebacks. Cheteshwar Pujara returned to cricket stronger than ever, eventually establishing himself as one of India's most reliable Test cricketers, known for his technical prowess and mental fortitude.
This revelation highlights a different side of Shah Rukh Khan - not just as a celebrity franchise owner, but as someone genuinely invested in the welfare of his team members. His intervention came at a crucial juncture when a young cricketer's career hung in the balance, demonstrating that his heroism extends beyond movie screens.
In related cricket news, MS Dhoni fans have reason to celebrate as the Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan has confirmed that the legendary captain will be available for the next IPL season. This announcement ends ongoing speculation about Dhoni's retirement, ensuring that the emotional heartbeat of CSK will continue to thrill fans in the upcoming tournament.
