India are all set to take on South Africa in three-match Test series starting with the Centurion Test from Sunday. Having never won a Test series in the country before, this is going to be a great chance for the team to script the history.
Veteran batsman Cheteshwar Pujara has said that they are confident to emerge victorious in South Africa. While talking to bcci.tv, Pujara said:
“We know what is expected of our team; and when it comes to preparation, all of us are ready and we know what is expected. I think having done well in England and Australia will make a big, big difference in this squad’s confidence and self-belief that we can win overseas, we can win in any condition. We have the capacity to win a series in South Africa.”
Team confidence ✅
Personal preparation ✅
South Africa challenge ✅@cheteshwar1 covers all bases in this interview with https://t.co/Z3MPyesSeZFull interview 🎥 🔽 #TeamIndia #SAvIND https://t.co/7ML9NJkYRu pic.twitter.com/7xhLiyJJcA
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 23, 2021
Meanwhile, Cheteshwar Pujara has been struggling with the bats for quite some time now. The experienced batsman last scored a century in 2019 and will try to return in the form in South Africa as well. Earlier, he also stated that the series will give them the “best opportunity” to win a Test series in South Africa.
“This is the best bubble I have been part of where you can just move around freely and get fresh air. That helps when it comes your mental preparation. You are much more relaxed and in an environment close to nature,” Cheteshwar Pujara stated.
He added:
“I feel that we have the best support staff and most of the players have played in South Africa in the past. So it is an experienced side and we know what is expected out of us. When it comes to preparation, all of us are ready.”
“With experience you learn so many things and you just start believing in your preparation. You don’t need to change too much. Because of my tours in South Africa and Australia, I know the conditions a little better than I did in the past. So with that experience, I know what kind of shots I need to avoid or play. You are a little clearer with your mindset and preparation,” he continued.
“They have one of the best bowling lineups” – Cheteshwar Pujara
South Africa, on the other hand, won’t et the service of Faf du Plessis, Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, and Vernon Philander. Moreover, pace bowler Anrich Nortje was also ruled out of the series due to an injury.
While this will work for India, Cheteshwar Pujara said that the host still has one of the best bowling lineups in the world as well. The batter from Saurashtra said:
“Most of the teams play well in their home conditions and it is the same with South Africa. They have one of the best bowling lineups and facing them has always been challenging. When I first came here in 2011, Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel were both at their peak. I have visited again in 2013 and 2017 so I understand what is expected.”
“When you are a visiting team you know there is pace and bounce here and lateral movement. To face the fast bowlers is always a big challenge when we go out of India. But this team has learnt that and I feel this is a much more balanced batting lineup. With our preparation I am confident that we will put up a good show,” Cheteshwar Pujara concluded.
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