Australia vs India: Pujara's father-cum-coach hospitalized
What's the story?
Chetshwar Pujara's gritty and resolute knock of 193 runs and his comprehensive success in the on-going Test series has obliged the ardent cricket fans, experts and luminaries to express their words of wisdom and all-praise.
However, very few have taken notice of the sorrow of the unfortunate 68-year-old man who missed out on an opportunity of watching his son-cum-student playing one of the best Test innings of his career, as a consequence of high heart rate.
The background
India's stupendous Test specialist Pujara lit up the souls of billions through his prodigious daddy hundred, his 18th in the purest format of the game. The 378-ball-long stay in the crease strengthened India's chances of dominating Australia in their own backyard and pulling out a historical and significant series victory, something that was never achieved by the Indians before.
However, on the other hand, Pujara's wife, Puja Pabari, was busy scrutinizing her father-in-law's health reports, who had been a victim of heart disease.
Ever the since the passing away of Pujara's supportive mother when he was just 17, his father clutched the responsibility of mentoring Pujara as a strict and efficient neutral coach. Having had the experience of playing First Class cricket, Pujara's father forever remains the greatest reason why Pujara is being hailed in international cricket.
As Pujara spoke in an interview a few years ago, whatever he is today is all due to his father. "Whatever I am today is all thanks to my father. He has worked very hard for me, sacrificed so much for me;" Pujara once said.
The heart of the matter
Cheteshwar Pujara's father, Arvind, was immediately taken to Rajkot, for a planned cardiac procedure through the aerial flight, on the recommendation of a Mumbai-based specialist Dr. Yash Lokhandwala.
Arvind Pujara seemed relieved after the cardiac catheterization, about his progressive health condition and also about his son's impeccable ton. The 68-year-old man usually had the courtesy of enjoying his son's knocks from the stands, but due to the unfortunate hospitalization, he is all set to watch the replays of the brilliant knock. Arvind also expects Pujara's knock to dismiss all the critics who doubted his caliber overseas.
“I have been hearing people praise my son from across the world. It’s very heartening if anybody had any doubt about his batting it’s all cleared. I will go home watch the replays,” Arvind said from the beds of the hospital.
Pujara was convinced by the doctor who stated that delaying the procedure would not be wise at all, through a phone call. Despite all the paternal stress, Pujara's focus on the game was exemplary.
“His century today was under the cloud of his dad and coach being subjected to surgery. His focus never wavered and his work ethic did not suffer;" Pujara's family friend said.
Meanwhile, it was also a tough task for the young mother of a 10-month-old Aditi Pujara who had to sacrifice the cherishable moment for her in-law.
What's next?
India is in a commendable position to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a historic triumph over the Aussies. After declaring at the score of 622-7, India has ensured that Australia doesn't get away with easy runs.
While it's highly improbable for Australia to draw the series, even a draw or a win would see India create history with golden words. Likewise, any of the three possible outcomes of the match will not hamper India's opportunity of keeping the trophy home, as India were victorious in their last series against Australia in India, in 2017.