'WTC is the World Cup of the Test format' - Cheteshwar Pujara ahead of India's summit clash against NZ

The Indian cricket team will lock horns against the New Zealand side in the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) from 18th July 2021 at Southampton in England. And, ahead of the marquee encounter against the Black Caps, Indian batting mainstay Cheteshwar Pujara has opened up on the summit clash of the WTC.

Pujara stated that it is the dream of the Indian side to win the World Test Championship (WTC) final, and added that the WTC is like the World Cup of Test match cricket. The right-hander further revealed that the victory over Australia in the year 2018 was the most special win for India.

The 33-year-old also added that the series win against Australia this year is also a special one as the Indian side was missing many of their stalwarts. He also labeled the triumph over Australia this year as a satisfying one.

“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. Any tour of Australia is always a big challenge and very important for us. In that sense, the 2018 win was the most special.

And then, of course, our last series win was also very special because the team was relatively weak as some of the senior players were not there and some of them were injured and not available for all the matches. As a team, it was a huge achievement and personally, it was very satisfying,” said Pujara as quoted by The Hindustan Times.

“You cannot be sitting on past laurels,” says Cheteshwar Pujara

Cheteshwar Pujara further added that everything went according to plan for him in Australia. Adding that the Australian side is one of the best in the world, Pujara concluded by stating that the Indian side should not be sitting on past achievements and should start fresh once again to conquer new challenges.

“Fortunately for me, whatever I had planned for those tours did click. Australia is one of the best teams. Their bowling attack is one of the best in world cricket and doing well against them gives you some pride but you can’t be sitting on past laurels. You have to start afresh for a new challenge,” concluded Pujara.