The last time India played a Test in Southampton - the setting for the World Test Championship last against New Zealand one month from now - Cheteshwar Pujara had scored an unbeaten 132. While India lost that game against England, Pujara had his impact in keeping his side in the chase.
The 33-year-old will by and by be a significant factor as India hope to win the debut WTC crown. During a visit with TOI, Pujara talked on the pandemic, Indian group's seat strength as of late and then some.
How has the pandemic influenced your groundwork for the England visit?
This is a difficult stretch for everybody across the world, and it's a circumstance that happens once in 100 years or more. The lucky part is that we can play and the WTC last is going on according to plan. Regardless of whether we are short planning shrewd, I feel the group has sufficient experience to convey a solid exhibition. This Indian group, lately, has shown the fortitude to win on all surfaces and we will convey that certainty into the match against New Zealand and the resulting Test arrangement against England.
Has there been any adjustment of your preparation techniques since the pandemic has begun?
With regards to my batting - you can't have various techniques. Be that as it may, with regards to preparing, you need to sort out various approaches to do it, particularly when you are in isolate. You need to address the coach to sort out various plans to keep yourself fit and involved. The isolate in front of each arrangement turns into the most difficult part. Interestingly, players are anxious to prepare in any event, during the isolate and that assists us with remaining in the best shape once we start practice.
Your contemplations on the WTC last?
The Indian group has graphed a wonderful excursion over the most recent two years. We have played well to fit the bill for the last and everybody is anticipating it. The India-New Zealand last will be a conflict between two top-quality sides. It will be a decent game as the two groups are equally coordinated.
What's your interpretation of the New Zealand assault. Who will be the bowler to pay special mind to?
I would prefer not to name a specific bowler in their line-up. Their bowling assault is very even. We have confronted their bowlers previously and have a reasonable thought of how they work, the points they use and we will be arranged.
India lost an arrangement to New Zealand a year ago. Will that give them a mental edge?
I don't think so. At the point when we played the Kiwis in 2020, it was in their terrace. That will not be the situation in the WTC last since it's a nonpartisan setting for both the groups. None of the groups will enjoy a home benefit. We have our bases covered and in the event that we play to our latent capacity - we can beat any side on the planet.
India lost their last Test in Southampton in 2018. Were there any exercises discovered that can help you in this game?
It is hard to evaluate one specific game. We were in a directing situation (against England in 2018) and got our opportunities. Yet, I will not evaluate that Test with the WTC last since we are playing an alternate side this time. The lone thing which we need to take from any game is the positive viewpoints and that is the thing that I generally have confidence in.
Somewhat recently that you have been important for the Indian group - is this the most grounded seat strength it has at any point had?
Totally. The measure of ability in the Indian circuit is humongous. Be it our bowling or batting - we have the reinforcement for the players. The Australia arrangement prior this year was a model. We had such countless wounds, however the reinforcement choices did well for us to win the arrangement. Everybody in this Indian group is ravenous to progress nicely and that is the indication of a decent side.
India last won a Test arrangement in England back in 2007. Do you figure this is the most obvious opportunity for the side to win a Test arrangement in England?
Without a doubt, we have the group to win in England. We have been doing great in abroad conditions as of late. The trust in the group is high. In each branch of the game - our side has top notch players and in the event that we can execute our arrangements on the given day - the outcomes will be in support of ourselves against England.
