Yoga helps me stay calm and composed under pressure: Cheteshwar Pujara

“I was introduced to yoga during my junior cricket days, but it was years later that I started practising it consistently.

Since then, it has played a significant role in my life, particularly during my stint with the Indian team,” says Cheteshwar Pujara, who announced his retirement in August last year.

On International Day of Yoga, the former Team India batting star tells us how yoga continues to play a crucial role in his life.

Excerpts:‘Yoga brought a sense of calm that was invaluable’As a youngster, when I joined a zonal cricket academy, yoga was introduced as part of our training programme.

The entire team had to attend a few sessions, and we were told that it would improve our flexibility and help our game.

While I learnt the basics then, I wasn’t very regular with my practice and only realised its true importance much later in life.

Once I started playing for India, the pressure increased significantly.

There are phases when you don’t perform well, and dealing with the expectations and scrutiny can be challenging.

I was determined to do whatever it took to become a successful cricketer.

Different people offered different advice — some suggested meditation, while others emphasised recovery and fitness.

Amid all those suggestions, someone told me, “Why don’t you try yoga? It will help you stay healthy, improve your cricket and relax your mind.” I decided to give it a serious try, and the results were remarkable.

Yoga helped me physically, mentally, and emotionally.

It improved my flexibility, aided recovery, and brought a sense of calm that was invaluable during high-pressure situations.

However, one thing I learnt is that yoga is not a quick fix.

You need to practise it consistently and make it a part of your routine to truly experience its benefits. ‘I rarely missed a yoga session during my playing days’During my playing days, I rarely missed a yoga session unless I was travelling or had an important family commitment.

Yoga helped me stay mentally balanced, keep my thoughts under control, and maintain a positive outlook.

Every session left me feeling calm, focused, and energised.

Like any athlete, I had my share of injuries and minor health issues, but yoga and breathing exercises played a key role in keeping me fit and aiding my recovery.

I was always disciplined about my practice and typically spent 20 to 30 minutes on yoga every day.

Since retiring from cricket, I haven’t been able to practise as regularly as I would like, but it remains an important part of my life, and I look forward to making it a consistent habit again soon.‘Yoga builds a deeper connection with your inner self’For decades, yoga and meditation have been my anchors, guiding me both on and off the field and nurturing my mind as well as my body.

Yoga is much more than a form of physical exercise; it is a journey of self-discovery, awareness, and mindfulness.

It has always helped me stay positive, control my thoughts, and maintain emotional balance.

Yoga improved my endurance, enhanced my focus, and enabled me to remain calm and composed under pressure.

Regular practice gives you the ability to stay true to yourself even in the most challenging situations, without getting carried away by emotions or external distractions.

When your mind is centred, no outside noise can shake your confidence.

Yoga also helps you understand yourself better and build a deeper connection with your inner self.

For me, a combination of yoga, breathing exercises and prayer has always worked wonders.

It keeps me grounded, helps me stay present in the moment, and brings a sense of peace and clarity to my life.Get the latest lifestyle news and trends.

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