The Indian Test specialist, Cheteshwar Pujara reckons that New Zealand will be having the advantage ahead of the WTC Final after playing a Test series against England but India will utilize the available time to make their preparations well for the title clash, starting at the Ageas Bowl on June 18. While the Indian players are playing intra-squad matches after completing their quarantine period, New Zealand trumped England 1-0 in a two-match series ahead of the WTC final.
Talking about the same in a video for BCCI.tv., Chetshwar Pujara was heard saying, “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.”
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He further added, “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 utilise these days well I feel that our team will be up for the final.”
Cheteshwar Pujara also asserted that more than anything, adjusting to the fickle England weather is a big challenge for the players.
He further explained, “Playing in different conditions in a single day here is the most challenging part for a batsman because if it rains you go off the field, and then suddenly it stops raining and you start again. So there are breaks in between and this is where you need to understand and accept the challenge. Mentally you have to be strong, your concentration needs to be up to the mark.”
The 33-year-old said the Indian team is a well-knit unit as the players have spent considerable time with each other in the bio-bubble.
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Cheteshwar Pujara added, “Playing cricket during the pandemic has been challenging and the guys have been excellent the way we have managed things. I think we have come close enough because of the time spent together in the bubble.”
