Josh Hazlewood, the premier fast bowler from Australia is currently in India to play the 16th edition of the IPL for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. He was recently speaking to Danish Sait on the RCB Podcast about certain batters he found hard to bowl against and take their wicket over the years.
When asked about one particular player, Josh Hazlewood said, “Pujara’s name comes to mind,” and laughed immediately afterwards in exclamation. The right-arm pacer then went on to compliment the Indian batting star by stating that “Pujji loves batting, loves batting, yeah. Hates getting out.”
The RCB bowler considers bowling to Pujara to be thrilling because he enjoys earning the wickets of top batters of the world like him. Hazlewood elaborated to Danish Sait, “So I mean It's a bigger thrill for the bowlers. I think when you do end up getting his (Pujara’s) wicket, it means you have earned it.”
Furthermore, Josh Hazlewood showed his respect for Cheteshwar Pujara by mentioning the hard work it takes to get his wicket. He said, “It means you've put in a lot of hard work. Whether it’s the fifth ball he (Pujara) faces, you've already bowled to him in the previous Test matches, you've earned that respect and you've earned that wicket.”
Hazlewood also mentioned how the Australian people have come to know of the batting mastery of Pujara Down Under. He categorically said this to Danish Sait, “He's someone we've some great tussles against over the years, and, in particular, probably in Australia. He's one that Australians, you know, probably, love to hate but he (Pujara) is a fantastic player and I guess that is part of Test cricket. When you do get him out, you know you've earned it.”
Meanwhile, Josh Hazlewood's chances of playing in IPL 2023 for Royal Challengers Bangalore could be in some doubt as he has been recovering from a tendon injury for quite some time. The last season of the Indian Premier League was very fruitful for Hazlewood as he took 20 wickets in 12 matches for RCB on their way to the playoffs.