After South Africa, playing in New Zealand will be a little easier, says Cheteshwar Pujara
New Delhi: After tasting stupendous success in South Africa, Cheteshwar Pujara is ready for the challenges ahead of the Test series against New Zealand, starting next month. However Pujara, who faced bowlers like Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander bravely in South Africa, says that playing New Zealand might be a little easier compared to South Africa.
"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.
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"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, adding that he was now working hard to earn a place in the ODI squad.
"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.
"...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.
