'Pujara used to irritate us': Tim Paine recalls Australia's biggest headache against India

Former Australian cricket captain Tim Paine recently reflected on the challenges Australia has faced while playing against India, particularly highlighting the difficulty of dismissing the Indian batsmen Cheteshwar Pujara and Rishabh Pant. Speaking to TOI, Paine emphasized the significance of Australia's 'A' tours to India, stating that they are crucial for preparing the next generation of cricketers for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India from January to March 2027.

He noted that India A, featuring players like Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan, presents a unique challenge for Australian teams, as their batting and bowling conditions differ from those in Australia.

When asked about the toughest Australian batter to face during his captaincy, Paine recalled Pujara, praising his concentration and discipline. It was his hard-to-dislodge nature and mental fortitude that made him a formidable opponent, often frustrating the Australian batting lineup. Paine also shared his memories of Rishabh Pant's memorable innings against Australia at the Gabba.

He appreciated the aggression and confidence displayed by Pant in his performance, qualities he aims to instill in the current Australian young players. As for Pant's current state in the white-ball cricket setup, Paine was uncertain but believed that with a resurgence in form, he could excel in both white and red-ball cricket.

Regarding Australia's prospects in the next Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Paine expressed confidence in the team's abilities, acknowledging that while recent run-scoring may not have been as prolific, the squad still possesses a strong pool of talent. He reiterated that with thorough preparation and acclimatization to the Indian conditions, Australia remains a formidable contender in the upcoming tournament.