Indian top-order batsman Cheteshwar Pujara has expressed confirdence about the team’s preparations ahead of the three-match Test series against South Africa, saying they “can win in any condition”. India are yet to win a Test series in South Africa and Pujara thinks the Virat Kohli-led side are well-placed to break that duck.
“We know what is expected of our team; and when it comes to preparation, all of us are ready and we know what is expected,” Pujara said in an interview posted on bcci.t, the website of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
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“I think having done well in England and Australia will make a big, big difference in this squad’s confidence and self-belief that we can win overseas, we can win in any condition. We have the capacity to win a series in South Africa,” Pujara added.
Despite struggling for form in recent times, Pujara also expressed confidence in his personal preparations for the tour, and will be eager to get back amongst the runs in the ‘Rainbow Nation’. The 33-year-old last scored a Test century in 2019, but had notable performances during India’s heroic series win in Australia earlier this year.
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In an earlier interview, Pujara said the upcoming series represents India’s “best opportunity” to win a series in South Africa.
“The good thing is we played a couple of Test matches in India. So most of the guys are in touch, and when it comes to preparation, the support staff has been excellent. They have been supporting us well and we have five or six days more before we head into the first Test,” Pujara told ESPNcricinfo.
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“I am sure there is enough time for us to prepare and guys are looking forward to this series. This is the best opportunity for us to win our first series in South Africa. So all of us are looking forward to it,” he added.
