Cheteshwar Pujara recalls fanboy moment with Shah Rukh Khan and Hazlewood net refusal

Former India Test batsman Cheteshwar Pujara spoke on JioHotstar's series "Cheeky Singles" about his brief stint with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the 2009/10 IPL season. He described meeting KKR co‑owner Shah Rukh Khan as a "fanboy moment" but stressed that a franchise’s environment and learning opportunities matter more than celebrity ownership.

Pujara also recounted a light‑hearted incident with Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood while training with Chennai Super Kings (CSK). After facing Hazlewood repeatedly in the 2018/19 and 2020/21 Border‑Gavaskar Trophy series, Hazlewood jokingly refused to bowl to Pujara in the CSK nets, saying, "I won't bowl to him." The anecdote highlighted the camaraderie and humor among teammates in the Indian Premier League.