'His form in County Championship is great news for Team India' - Former chief selector on Cheteshwar Pujara ahead of WTC final

Former team India chief selector MSK Prasad believes Cheteshwar Pujara's stellar performance in the ongoing County Championship Divison Two in England is good news for India. India are gearing up to face Australia in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final at The Oval in London which will begin on June 7.

Prasad stated that the Sussex County Cricket Club captain Pujara's outstanding performance in the County is a positive sign for India. He went on to say that Pujara's strength is to occupy the crease as much as possible. He added that he believes Pujara's runs in the WTC final will be crucial for the Rohit Sharma-led side.

"His form in County Championship is great news for Team India. He is practising in English conditions and getting to know it. His strength is to occupy the crease as much as possible and hold an end steady after some quick wickets. I am sure his runs will not go to waste," Prasad was quoted as saying by NDTV Sports.

Pujara is currently the second-leading run-scorer in County Championship Division Two, amassing 545 runs in eight innings at an average of above 68.12. He has scored three centuries and a half-century so far. Notably, his best score in six matches is 151.

Rahane is a proven player for India in overseas conditions: MSK Prasad 

Prasad also talked about Ajinkya Rahane's inclusion in the India squad for the WTC final. He backed Rahane, claiming that he won a series for India as captain in Australia. He went on to mention that experience is important in such major games, and that youngsters like Sarfaraz Khan will have to wait for their opportunities.

"It is good that new players are coming up. But Rahane is a proven player for India in overseas conditions, he has centuries in England and Australia. He won a series in Australia as a captain. For such mega events, you need experience. It is not only about your runs but how you handle pressure and play your innings. 

Sarfaraz will have to wait for his chances. I am sure he will get his chances if he continues it for a year or so. There are so many players who scored many runs in domestic cricket like Subramanian Badrinath, Amol Muzumdar etc, but had to wait for their chances," Prasad added.