When you get him out, you’re like a hero: Josh Hazlewood explains what it is like to dismiss Cheteshwar Pujara

Cheteshwar Pujara is one of the most venerated names in Indian cricket history’s echelons and bowlers from across the world have faced enormous challenges to get him out. May it be the mighty pace mafia of the Aussies or the various spinning cliques venturing into the sub-continent, Pujara has been a nightmare for the bowlers.

The Australian pace unit of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood has made headlines as one of the most fearsome attacks of all time, with their ability to trouble the best of batters. However, even for the trio, getting the better of Pujara has been a tall order, and speaking on the RCB Podcast season 2, Hazlewood explained what makes the Indian batting star special. 

Hazelwood said, “Pujji loves batting, hates getting out. He just hangs in there. It’s a bigger thrill for the bowlers I think, when you do end up getting his wicket. It means that you have earned it and you have done a lot of hard work. Whether it’s the fifth bowler you know, you’ve already faced before, you’ve earned respect and you earned that wicket. Over the years, I have had a few great tussles, one, in particular, was probably in Australia. He is one of those whom Australians would love to hate but he’s a fantastic player and I guess that’s part of Test cricket. When you do get him out, you’re a hero.”