‘He is someone who…’ – Josh Hazlewood express delight at Cheteshwar Pujara not being picked for Border Gavaskar Trophy

Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has made a huge statement on Cheteshwar Pujara not being part of the Indian tour. The 36-year-old hasn’t played for India since the World Test Championships Finals in 2023. Pujara was India’s main match winner in each of the previous two visits to Australia. 

Speaking to the media ahead of the first Test, the veteran pacer said, “I'm happy that Cheteshwar Pujara isn't around this time. He is someone who spends a lot of time at the crease and tires the bowlers But the depth in Indian cricket is pretty good and the younger guys have a lot of talent as well." Pujara is set to mark his debut as a commentator during the five-match series starting on Friday.

Hazlewood also spoke about India missing Shubman Gill and Mohammed Shami. “Gill missing out unsettles the XI as well. They'll miss Shami as well. But the depth in Indian cricket is outstanding and unmatched," he added.

Josh Hazlewood speaks on class of Indian team 

Speaking to the media, the Australian pace spearhead also said, “Not only Kohli, but our focus is on all the players. He has found a lot of success in the past and of course, will be a crucial wicket. But there are other guys also like a Rishabh Pant or a Jasprit Bumrah who can be equally good with their respective skills." 

The Aussie star added, “For that kind of batters, it is important to have Plan B and C if things go south. It is important to have different plans apart from the top of off. We also have players like Travis Head and Mitch Marsh who can take the game away.”

Meanwhile, former India batter Yuvraj Singh has advised the Indian batters to spend time in the middle. During his chat with Mid-Day, Yuvraj said, “In day cricket, you have to spend time session by session. If you spend time at the wicket in Australia, you get value for it because the pitches and the bounce are true. Last time, Rishabh Pant and Shubman played attacking cricket.”

India’s former legendary batter also added, “Cheteshwar Pujara stood at the wicket and put his body on the line. Pujara is not known for strokeplay, but he is gutsy. Batters good against the short ball have a good chance to score runs. It would help if you had a mix of everything."