India batter Cheteshwar Pujara has said that the opposition is always under pressure while playing in Indian conditions. India is facing Australia in the first Test of the four-match Border-Gavaskar series at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur.
New Delhi,UPDATED: Feb 9, 2023 11:22 IST
Pujara says opposition always under pressure in India (AP/PTI)
By India Today Web Desk: India batter Cheteshwar Pujara has said that the opposition is always under pressure while playing in Indian conditions. India is facing Australia in the first Test of the four-match Border-Gavaskar series at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur.
Speaking ahead of the match, Pujara said the opposition will always be under pressure in Indian conditions if the hosts put up enough runs on the board, adding that it is never easy facing Australia.
“As a batting unit, if we put up enough runs on the board. In Indian conditions, the opposition is always under pressure. It would be nice to repeat that performance (2018-19 tour) , but it is never easy when playing against the Australian team,” said Pujara.
The 35-year-old said he understands his role and responsibility with the team, adding that the last few series between India and Australia have been very competitive.
“The important part here, as a player, as an individual, is that one needs to understand the responsibility and the role for the team, and I would like to play that role. I am delighted as a Test player, and if you look at the India-Australia series, the past two-three series, even the one we played in India has been competitive,” Pujara added.
He said that he is really looking forward to the Test series, adding that India needs at least two wins in the series for them to have a chance of making it to the finals of the World Test Championship.
“As a Test player, I am really looking forward to it and there is a lot to play for. If you look at our status, we need to win at least 2 Test matches to make it to the WTC Final. Hopefully, we will do well in this series,” said Pujara.
Pujara said he sets small goals for himself while batting, adding that he is really looking forward to the Border-Gavaskar series.
“I’m not someone who sets big goals. I would like to take one Test match at a time. And when you’re playing a Test you want to break it down into smaller targets. I always look to bat one hour or one session at a time. Not really big goals but really looking forward to this series,” Pujara added.
