India’s Test specialist batsman Cheteshwar Pujara has stated that the World Test Championship is like the World Cup of Test format and the Indian team would like to win this trophy.
For many Test players, like Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane, who don’t play the limited overs format, the WTC final is of paramount importance.
India has been the most consistent team in the tournament as they won 12 matches out of the 17 they played. The Virat Kohli-led team had a win percentage of 72.2 and had topped the points table.
The Indian team were able to win five series, including the memorable one in Australia where they stunned the Tim Paine-led team.
“It’s a dream for all of us because WTC is indeed the World Cup of Test format and we all would like to win this trophy,” Pujara told cricket.com.
“This will be a huge game for all of us because we have worked very hard to reach there. Each Test series was very important for us which has taken us to England for the final.
“This team has shown that we have got tremendous potential and hopefully, we will do well in the final as we have been doing in Test cricket for a long time,” Pujara said.
Meanwhile, the Indian team is currently in Mumbai where they are completing their quarantine process. The Virat Kohli’s men will leave for England on June 2.
On the other hand, Cheteshwar Pujara is going to hold the key in the WTC final against New Zealand as he can occupy the crease for a long period of time. Pujara has been one of India’s best batsmen in overseas conditions and he will look to deliver in the all-important final.
Pujara has thus far scored 818 runs in 17 matches of WTC 2019-2021 cycle at a meagre average of 29.21 and he will aim to come up with a better show. The WTC final will take place at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton from June 18.