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Fact Check: Did Josh Hazlewood Actually Call Cheteshwar Pujara His 'Biggest Headache'?

Arnav Chopra

Josh Hazlewood and Cheteshwar Pujara (Source: AFP Photos)Josh Hazlewood and Cheteshwar Pujara (Source: AFP Photos)

There have been wishes pouring in for Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara after his retirement from international cricket. However, one such message is getting the attention of social media users after some stunning words.

Hazlewood's Viral Post On Social Media - Real Or Fake?

Cheteshwar Pujara was India's most prolific batter, especially in Test cricket, after his exploits in Australia, particularly where he would stand still on the crease for hours and, in fact, gaze to tire the bowlers out. One such victim of Pujara's defiance was Australian pace bowler Josh Hazlewood, who bowled all day without much success.

Pujara, in his time, was unbeatable and, in fact, would take blows on his body for his country without giving much away to the bowlers.

Now, after his immediate retirement yesterday, Australian pacer Hazlewood has posted on the social media platform X about Pujara's retirement, calling him his biggest headache on the field and believing that now he will be able to bowl freely without getting tired. He further praised Pujara on his retirement, calling it a good run, and then wished him for his upcoming journey.

"You were my biggest headache on the field, now I can bowl freely, without getting tired whole day. ๐Ÿ˜‚ You had a good run, enjoy your retirement! Best wishes for your upcoming journey," fake post on social media reads.

However, much to the disappointment of fans and everyone on social media, this post is absolutely fake, as it comes from the Twitter handle @Joshazlewood38, which is not a real account of Hazlewood. Infact, he is not on any social media platform, including X and Instagram, and this was previously confirmed by his manager, Neil Maxwell.

Further examining the account, the bio reads: "Professional cricketer, Australia, Sydney Sixers, RCB. Parody Account", which now makes it clear that the post is absolutely fake.

However, even this viral post has gathered more than 500k views and has over 26k likes on X, with 85 comments and 1.3k reposts on X, as many people failed to recognise this fake account.

When Hazlewood Actually Praised Pujara Before BGT 2024-25

However, not all of this is false, as back before last year's Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-2025, when Pujara was omitted from the Indian squad as India moved towards the youngsters, Josh Hazlewood was actually happy that Pujara wasn't a part of the Indian side.

Speaking before the series, Hazlewood said, he's really happy about Pujara not being here because of the fact that he spends a lot of time in the crease, which is why it has been difficult for them previously.

โ€œI am pretty happy that Puj [Pujara] isnโ€™t here. He is one that bats time and you really earn his wicket. There are always young fresh guys coming into the Indian team, and whoever they pick in that eleven, they are unbelievable players,โ€ Hazlewood said ahead of BGT 2024/25.

As for Pujara, he has featured against Australia in 25 Test matches and scored 2,074 runs at an average of 49.38 with a strike rate of 42.30 with 11 half-centuries and five centuries to his name against the Kangaroos.