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'Happy Pujara Isn't Around': Hazlewood Taunts India For Ignoring Veteran Ahead Of BGT 2024

Hazlewood relieved to not face Pujara this year [Source: @CricKaushik_/X.com]Hazlewood relieved to not face Pujara this year [Source: @CricKaushik_/X.com]

In a pre-game press conference ahead of Perth Test, Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood stated that he is fortunate to not face Cheteshwar Pujara this time around as the veteran has a tendency to tire out the bowlers by spending significant amounts of time at the crease.

India's 18-member squad for Border-Gavaskar Series 2024-25 omitted veterans Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane as BCCI continues to move along favouring youth. In all probability, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel, and Devdutt Padikkal would be the ones to face the Australians in the opening Test in Perth.

Hazlewood takes dig at Indian selectors over Pujara's snub

Meanwhile, hours leading up to the Perth Test, Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood spoke to the reporters to share his thoughts on the series and rivalry associated with it. 

According to RevSportz, Josh Hazlewood opined that Australia is fortunate to not have to face Indian wall, Cheteshwar Pujara. He explained that Pujara bats taking his own sweet time and spend a lot of time on the crease. 

"I'm happy that Cheteshwar Pujara isn't around this time. He's someone who spends a lot of time at the crease and tires the bowlers," Hazlewood said.

His approach tires out the bowlers, leading to frustration. However, for this series, Pujara is not a part of the Indian set up anymore which is a sign for relief for Australian bowlers, said Hazlewood. 

Pujara to return in BGT, but with a twist

While Cheteshwar Pujara may never wear an Indian Test jersey again, he would certainly be spotted in the Border-Gavaskar series 2024-25 in a different setup. He is included in the commentary panel for Star Sports Hindi, where the batter is expected to share valuable insights about his experience playing in Aussie conditions. This is Pujara’s first stint in commentary since being out of the Test team. That being said, the India-Australia red ball rivalry is set to begin on November 22 at Optus Stadium in Perth.