We Have The Ability To Beat Any Side In The World, Can Win On All Surfaces - Cheteshwar Pujara

Ahead of the World Test Championship final against New Zealand, senior India batsman Cheteshwar Pujara has said that the Indian team has all their bases covered, and possesses the experience and skillset to defeat any side in the world, on any surface of the world.

The two teams will lock horns for the inaugural WTC final on June 18th in Southampton, where Cheteshwar Pujara scored an unbeaten 132 on the 2018 England tour.

Cheteshwar Pujara, who has been a key cog of the Indian team in its couple of Test series triumphs in Australia, says that New Zealand won’t have any upper hand of beating India 2-0 last year at home as the WTC final is at a neutral venue.

India made two outstanding comebacks in their last two-Test series – against Australia and England – by winning the series after losing the first Test; the right-hander is expecting the side to take the confidence into the showpiece clash next month.

“When we played the Kiwis in 2020, it was in their backyard. That won’t be the case in the WTC final since it’s a neutral venue for both the teams. None of the teams will have a home advantage. We have our bases covered and if we play to our potential – then we have the ability to beat any side in the world,” Cheteshwar Pujara told Times Of India.

“This is a tough time for everyone across the world, and it’s a situation that happens once in 100 years or more. The fortunate part is that we are able to play and the WTC final is going ahead as per schedule. Even if we are short preparation wise, I feel the team has enough experience to deliver a strong performance.

This Indian team, in recent times, has shown the wherewithal to win on all surfaces and we will carry that confidence into the match against New Zealand and the subsequent Test series against England.”

We have a fair idea of how their bowlers operate: Cheteshwar Pujara

Having faced the Kiwi bowlers last year, Cheteshwar Pujara reckons the Indian batters have got some idea of the opposition bowlers. The quartet of Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Kyle Jamieson, and Neil Wagner has been imperative in New Zealand’s success over the last couple of years.

“I don’t want to name any particular bowler in their line-up. Their bowling attack is very well-balanced. We have faced their bowlers before and have a fair idea of how they operate, the angles they use and we will be prepared,” the 33-year-old stated.

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