WTC Final – New Zealand will have an advantage but we are not worried about today: Cheteshwar Pujara

India’s Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara believes New Zealand will have the advantage in the World Test Championship final which will be played at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton.

However, Pujara added that they are not worried regarding the same.

New Zealand have already played two Test matches in England and they have got used to the conditions. In fact, the Kiwis had dominated the first Test match against England and went on to win the second Test match by eight wickets despite playing an inexperienced side.

On the other hand, Pujara added that their focus is on their preparation and they will look to give their best in the big final. India also played an intra-squad match in which Rishabh Pant scored a blistering knock of 121 runs and Shubman Gill scored a fine knock of 85 runs.

“New Zealand will have that advantage of having played 2 Tests here before the final but when it comes to the final, we will give our best and we know that our team has the potential to do well and win the championship.

“We are not worried about that (NZ advantage), we will try and focus only on these few days that we have for our preparation and we’ll try to make the most of what we have. If we utilise these days well then our team will be up for the final,” Pujara said on bcci.tv.

Pujara also spoke about the bio-bubbles and how it has been challenging to play during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Playing cricket during the pandemic has been challenging, the guys have managed it well. We have come very close because we have spent a lot of time together,” Pujara added.

Meanwhile, Cheteshwar Pujara is going to play a crucial role in the WTC final as he can hold one end up and the other batsman can bat around him. Pujara can occupy the crease for a long period of time and he will look to deliver the goods.

The WTC final will be played at Ageas Bowl, Southampton from June 18.