Test mainstay Cheteshwar Pujara eyes ODI spot
Cheteshwar Pujara, who has established himself as a vital cog of the Indian top-order in Tests, is now looking to work hard and claim a berth in the ODI team to fulfill his dream of playing in the 2015 World Cup.
Having established himself as a Test mainstay in the Indian team, top-order batsman Cheteshwar Pujara says he is now working hard to make it to the one-day squad to realize his dream of playing in the World Cup, which is scheduled next year.
"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. (India vs New Zealand: Top-five players to watch out for)
"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. (Pace not India's problem in NZ: Simon Doull)
Pujara, who will 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. (Not taking NZ lightly: MS Dhoni)
"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 challenges in New Zealand tour after his success in South Africa, Pujara said it would be comparatively easier to perform in the upcoming tour. (MS Dhoni looking to improve personal form in NZ series)
"It will be a 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 also spoke of performing well as a team in more 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.