He has established himself as a Test mainstay in the Indian team and rising batsman says he is now working hard to make the ODI squad to realise his dream of playing in the World Cup
New Delhi: He has established himself as a Test mainstay in the Indian team and rising batsman Cheteshwar Pujara says he is now working hard to make the one-day squad to realise his dream of playing in the World Cup, which is scheduled next year.
Cheteshwar Pujara
"I do like to play the one-day format. Especially with the 2015 World Cup coming up, I hope I get a chance to play in that team. As a cricketer, everybody dreams to play the World Cup for Team India," Pujara told Star Sports' show Star Power. "...when I was playing one of the Ranji games, India won the 2011 World Cup and we all were following the game.
We felt really proud on India winning the World Cup," he said. Pujara, who will next be seen in action during the two-match Test series in New Zealand next month, said he is working hard to break into ODI squad. "...when you have the opportunity of serving the country and be part of the team it will be a different feeling. And there are a few things I am working to be part of the one-day team," he said.
On the challenge in New Zealand tour after his success in South Africa, Pujara said it would be comparatively easier to perform in the upcoming tour. "It will be difficult challenge, but the kind of performance I have had in South Africa has changed my mindset and I am a different cricketer now," he said.
"Because once you score runs in overseas conditions and face bowlers like Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander means a lot...I do believe that South African conditions are the most difficult in the cricketing circuit. I think going to New Zealand and playing there might be a little easier," he added.
Pujara said in the coming year, he would look to perform well in the overseas assignments. "...there are so many overseas tours coming up, and we want to win all of them, that is the target. What everyone can expect from Team India is the fight which we showed in the South Africa tour. If that is there we have the best opportunity of winning matches in overseas conditions," he said.
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