Indians would be keen to assert their dominance against Australia in the high-octane clash. The ICC WTC final 2021-23 final is slated to take place on 7th June (*Wednesday). All eyes would be on Cheteshwar Pujara who looked in complete control in the recently concluded BGT 2023. Cheteshwar Pujara would have got invaluable experience while playing county cricket for the Sussex team.
India had a promising test tour of England in 2021-2022 (* in 2022 there was a rescheduled Test match) when the series was squared by 2-2. The side though is missing the services of Jasprit Bumrah who is yet to recover from his back injury.
Our Trip at WTC final was impressive- Cheteshwar Pujara
Cheteshwar Pujara was having an interaction with the ICC where he spoke about the challenges the side faced after losing the ICC WTC Final against New Zealand and said that the side is confident of winning the championship.
“Most of the guys have played enough cricket here and some of them have played County cricket too. And you need that experience…we know each other’s strengths, and we have played a lot of cricket against Australia as well, so we know what to expect from the opposition team,” said Cheteshwar Pujara.
“Our trip to India at the WTC was simply impressive. After losing to New Zealand in the finals of the inaugural tournament, the Indian team deserved another chance to win. Prepare for the final with a new determination,” he added.
Indian players eye glory
Several key players arrived in Britain well before the final, including Virat Kohli, Shardul Thakur and Mohammed Siraj. These players had already left for England ahead of the IPL 2023 play-offs, demonstrating their commitment to the testing format. Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Shubman Gill and Mohammed Shami also joined the squad after their performances in the T20 tournament playoffs.
This early arrival gave the players ample time to adapt to the British conditions and hone their skills. Many Indian players have gained valuable training and experience leading up to the final, but one in particular has spent a long time in England. Known for his resilience and punching ability, Cheteshwar Pujara represented Sussex in County Championship Division Two.
Over six games, Pujara proved what he is capable of, amassing 545 runs, including three centuries. His partnership with former Australia captain Steve Smith has given him invaluable experience and insight into the game. Pujara’s experience and understanding of the English situation will be crucial to India’s success in the final.
In a recent interview with the International Cricket Council (ICC), Pujara expressed confidence in his team’s preparation and ability to overcome opponents’ challenges. Indian batsmen, including Pujara himself, Kohli and Rahane, have played in England several times and are used to the conditions. This experience will no doubt play an important role in their performance.
Cheteshwar Pujara an Asset
The Indian team management, led by head coach Rahul Dravid, sees the value of Pujara’s county stay. Dravid credited Pujara for the leadership he showed as Sussex captain and the tactical knowledge he gained from playing alongside the county’s bowlers. The insights Pujara shared will help the team effectively strategize and tackle the Aussie pace attacks that are known to be effective.
As the WTC final approaches, all eyes will be on Pujara. Pujara is known for his solid defense and ability to occupy the goal area for long periods of time. He is responsible for securing the Indians’ innings. His mental strength and ability to persevere through difficult times of play have made him an invaluable asset in Test cricket.
The Oval is fondly remembered by the Indian side, who beat England in their last friendly at the venue in 2021. The success will give India his confidence going into the final against Australia. With meticulous preparation, extensive experience and a strong desire to win prestigious titles, India will go to great lengths in its pursuit of glory.
Cricket fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the outcome of this thrilling showdown between cricket powerhouses. The WTC finals are expected to be a battle of skill, determination and resilience. Pujara and the Indian team will have hope when they step onto the field.