Test cricket is the ultimate format, feels Cheteshwar Pujara
Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara believes winning the ICC Test Championship will be more significant than clinching a World Cup title. The right-hander termed Test cricket as the most challenging format of the game. India lead the ICC World Test Championship table with 360 points, winning all the seven matches. Australia hold the second spot with as many wins, two defeats and one drawn match.
Nothing like Test cricket: Pujara
"When you become Test champions, I would say it is more than winning an ODI or a T20 World Cup. The reason is, this format is the ultimate format. There is nothing like it," Pujara stated during the latest episode of 'Inspiration' on India Today.
India had a perfect record in Test cricket last year
Following a 1-4 series defeat to England in 2018, India bounced back firmly against Australia. India became the first Asian side to win a Test series on the Australian soil when they thrashed Australia 2-1. The following season saw India's dominance in Test cricket as Kohli & Co. trounced West Indies, South Africa and Bangladesh 2-0, 3-0 and 2-0 respectively.
2019 was a record-breaking year for India in Tests
India have won 11 consecutive home Test series. Their last series defeat was in 2012 when England beat them 2-1. In 2019, India became the first team register four successive Test wins by an innings, winning two each against South Africa and Bangladesh.
We are doing well overseas: Pujara
After displaying brilliance in the home Tests, India have also tasted success overseas lately. The 2018 Johannesburg Test instilled the much required confidence in the Indian team. Besides a solid batting line-up, India's pace attack has perpetually stood out. "When the teams go away, they are always challenged. We have managed to do well overseas. We are now winning overseas," Pujara said.
India will be eyeing a series victory in New Zealand
Following a 3-0 drub against the Kiwis, India will be hoping to bounce back in the upcoming two-match Test series. The last time India won a Test match in New Zealand was back in 2009 under MS Dhoni. However, India looked solid in the practice game against New Zealand XI. Pujara, Mayank Agarwal, Prithvi Shaw and Rishabh Pant were among the runs.
