Team India cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara has conceded that New Zealand will start as the favourites in the ICC World Test Championship final in Southampton, which starts on June 18 (Friday). However, Pujara added they are ready for the Kiwi challenge.
The Black Caps will travel to Southampton on the back of a convincing victory over England by eight wickets at Edgbaston. This is their first series win against England at their home for the first time since 1999. On the other hand, India will have to make full use of these warm-up games heading to the WTC final against New Zealand. Meanwhile, the Black Caps will come into the ICC event after playing a two-match Test series against England.
Despite lack of match practice, Cheteshwar Pujara is confident that they will put their best feet forward to play well and win the first-ever WTC final.
“They will obviously have advantage having played two Test matches before the final but when it comes to final we will give our best and we know that our team has the potential to do well and win the championship.
So we are not worried about that, we will try and focus on these 10 to 12 days which we have for preparation. We are also going to play a practice game and we will try and make the most of what we have. If we utilize these days well I feel that our team will be up for the final,” Pujara told bcci.tv.
Personally, it means a lot to me: Cheteshwar Pujara
Adding further, Cheteshwar Pujara said reaching the WTC final is a special achievement for the Indian team. He mentioned that players like him who play only one international format for the country, are seeing the ICC WTC Final as something big, and winning the match will mean a lot to him.
“Personally it means a lot to me because I am playing this one format and this is the most challenging format in cricket. We have worked really hard as a team for a period of time to reach here. So, I am sure all the guys are looking forward to the final and winning this final will mean a lot to us. But even to reach the final the team has worked really hard for two years,” the 33-year-old said.
