Former Australia captain Tim Paine has revealed the Indian batter who gave his team the most headaches during his time in charge, and the answer is Cheteshwar Pujara. Pujara built a reputation as one of India’s most dependable Test batters through his patience, defensive technique and remarkable concentration. Unlike modern batters who often look to score quickly, Pujara was prepared to spend hours at the crease, forcing bowlers to work tirelessly for every wicket.

The former India No. 3 faced more than 16,200 deliveries during his Test career and finished with 7,195 runs at an average of 43.61. His ability to absorb pressure became particularly valuable during India’s memorable Test tours of Australia in 2018-19 and 2020-21.

Pujara rarely allowed the situation to dictate his approach. He was willing to leave deliveries outside the off stump for long periods and absorb blows from fast bowlers rather than play unnecessary attacking shots. His ability to frustrate opposition attacks often forced bowlers to continuously search for new ways to dismiss him.

ALSO READ: Adil Rashid Ruled Out Of Sri Lanka ODI Series With Injury

Speaking to The Times of India, Tim Paine recalled just how difficult Pujara was to remove during his captaincy. “Pujara. He was hard to get out. He had great concentration and discipline and was tough. He used to irritate us. We were just trying to get him out. Pat Cummins eventually figured him out a bit and got him caught behind.”

Pujara’s technique was unconventional in some ways. His back knee often collapsed while batting, which could make him vulnerable against short-pitched deliveries. However, the same movement also helped him get low against spin and create scoring opportunities through the off side.

His front-foot movement and ability to build innings patiently made him particularly effective against spin. More importantly, his temperament allowed him to remain at the crease long enough to gradually drain the opposition’s energy.

Paine is currently working as Australia A’s coach during their tour of India, where the visitors are playing two unofficial Tests and three unofficial ODIs against India A. The tour is designed to give Australia’s emerging players valuable exposure to Indian conditions.

The former wicketkeeper believes these A tours are crucial for preparing the next generation, particularly before major assignments such as the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.“That’s why we’re investing quite a lot of time and resources into getting the next group of cricketers over here.”

ALSO READ: Tim Paine Backs Rishabh Pant To Return To India’s LOI Setup

Paine also highlighted the value of facing quality Indian batters such as Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan. He believes Australian bowlers can learn plenty by testing themselves against talented players in challenging conditions. “There’s a lot of footage available, but if it was as simple as saying, ‘This is his weakness and this is how you get him out,’ they wouldn’t be the player they are now.”

For Tim Paine, Pujara’s combination of patience, discipline and resilience made him one of the most difficult Indian batters to dismiss during Australia’s battle with India in Test cricket.