“My Dream Is To Win a WTC Final”: Cheteshwar Pujara Ahead Of His 100th Test For India

The veteran batter Cheteshwar Pujara mentioned that he by no means thought that he will probably be taking part in the 100th Test match for India when he began his profession and added that he hopes to elevate the ICC World Test Championship trophy for his nation. Pujara has loved a stellar 13-year profession with India and is all set to play his 100th Test in Delhi on Friday. The second Test of the collection will probably be held in Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium from February 17 to 21. Delhi is internet hosting its first Test since December 2017. India have a 1-0 lead within the Border-Gavaskar Trophy collection.

“When I started playing cricket and then made my (Test) debut, I never thought about playing hundred Test matches. For me, it is always about being in the present and not thinking too far ahead. So, for me, I thought before this series started and that’s when I realised that I will be playing my hundredth Test match. In a career, you always go through ups and downs, and you have to fight through those periods,” Cheteshwar Pujara mentioned within the pre-match press convention on Thursday.

India should win the second Test towards Australia in Delhi, which begins on Friday, to take care of their lead within the Test rankings and are available nearer to qualifying for the World Test Championship ultimate in June. To qualify for the ultimate, India should win the collection 3-1 or 3-0.

When Pujara takes to the sphere towards Australia within the second Test at Delhi from February 17 onwards, he’ll turn into solely the thirteenth participant to achieve the landmark of 100 Test matches for India. The most variety of Test matches in cricket is performed by legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, who’s the one cricketer to have performed 200 matches within the longer format.

“There is a lot more to achieve. I am definitely satisfied and really excited to play this hundredth Test match. But at the same time, we are playing an important series. So, hopefully, we win this Test match and move on to win another Test match which will ensure we will qualify for the WTC final. My dream is to win a WTC final for the Indian team, which didn’t happen in the last final. But hopefully, once we qualify, we move towards that,” he added.

Pujara has performed 99 Tests up to now. He has scored 7,021 runs at a median of 44.15 in his 13-year-long Test profession, having made his debut in 2010. He has a complete of 19 centuries and 34 fifties within the format, with the very best rating of 206*. In 5 matches final 12 months, he scored 409 runs at a median of 45.44. One century and three fifties got here out of his bat final 12 months, with the very best rating of 102*.

Pujara additionally expressed gratitude for the assist of his pals, household, and coaches all through his life, particularly his father Arvind, who has been his coach since he was a little youngster and will probably be current on Friday when he performs in his 100th Test match.

“It means a lot to me and my family. My father has played a very important role in my cricketing career. He’s someone who has coached me since my childhood, so he’s very excited and is going to be here tomorrow with my wife, who’s been very supportive,” Pujara mentioned.

“In a cricketer’s life, family support is very important and I am very thankful to my family, friends, to the coaches whom I have worked with over some time and who have played a very important role in my cricketing career,” mentioned the veteran batter.

Asked about his fashion and strategy to hitting and the way in which to discovering success, Pujara responded that it was not easy and endurance was essential.

“Patience does not come on its own, you need mental strength for that. Preparations is the key, I scored runs at junior cricket, age group cricket. It requires hard work Over a period of time and I think when you focus on your game, eventually you will succeed,” Pujara mentioned.

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