Josh Hazlewood happy to see no Cheteshwar Pujara in India’s squad for Border-Gavaskar trophy; but still aware of India’s depth

Australia’s veteran fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is happy to note that there is no Cheteshwar Pujara in India’s squad for the Border-Gavaskar series. Pujara has been a thorn in Australia’s flesh in the last two tours and he played a key role in India’s success Downunder.

Pujara had scored 521 runs at an average of 74.43 in four Test matches on the 2018-19 tour of Australia and thus played an instrumental role in India’s maiden win on the Australian shores.

The right-hander faced 1258 balls in the four-match Test series and breathed down the neck of the opposition bowlers with his solid defense. Furthermore, Pujara scored 271 runs in four Test matches on the 2020-21 tour of Australia at an average of 33.88.

Hazlewood also acknowledged that Indian cricket has a lot of depth and the young players have all the talent.

“I am pretty happy that Cheteshwar Pujara is not around this time. He’s someone who spends a lot of time out there, tires out the bowlers. But the depth in Indian cricket is pretty good and the younger guys have a lot of talent as well.”

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli is the center of attraction and his wicket is going to be huge for the Australians but Hazlewood said their focus is on all the other players.

“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,” he said.

On the other hand, Rishabh Pant has batted at his absolute best as he amassed 624 runs in seven Test matches at an average of 62.40 against Australia. Hazlewood feels it is important to have different plans for a batter like Pant if things go south.

“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 top of off. We also have players like Travis Head and Mitch Marsh who can take the game away,” Hazlewood said in the same interaction.

The opening Test match between India and Australia will be played at Perth from November 22 onwards.