Premier Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara says India’s loss in the Test series in New Zealand last year will not give the Kiwis a psychological edge in the ICC World Test Championship final because of the neutral venue.
Team India is set to play ICC World Test Championship final against New Zealand between 18-22th June at Rose Bowl in Southampton.
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In the seam friendly conditions, Indian batsmen have struggled in the recent past. The last time Virat Kohli-led side faced New Zealand in a Test series last year, the visitors suffered a 0-2 thumping by Kane Williamson-led side.
Talking to Times of India, India’s No.3 in Test cricket, Cheteshwar Pujara lauded New Zealand’s pace battery and said that his side will be well prepared against them.
“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,” Pujara told Times of India.
Talking about the last Test series between New Zealand and India, Pujara said that Kiwis won’t have any advantage because of the neutral venue. He added that India can beat any side in the world if they play to their potential.
“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 teams. None of the teams will have a home advantage. We have our bases covered and if we play to our potential – then we can beat any side in the world,” he said.
Apart from the WTC final, Team India will face England in the five-Test series starting 4th August. The Virat Kohli led side have assembled in Mumbai, from where they will leave for the UK, after a two-week quarantine.
Even though Team India lost the last match they played at Southampton, Cheteshwar Pujara went on to score unbeaten 132 runs and Virat Kohli-led side would be once again depending on the 33-year-old to deliver the goods.
(TOI inputs)
