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cheteshwar-pujara
Legendary Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar supported Cheteshwar Pujara despite his poor performance in the just-concluded WTC Final. India's Test specialist managed to score only 8 runs off 54 balls in the first innings. In the second innings, he then scored just 15 runs off 80 deliveries. In the end, New Zealand quickly chased down the target of 139-runs without much trouble. India also had to give up the ICC Test mace after owning it for five years in succession. This was Virat Kohli's third defeat as captain in knockout matches and finals of ICC tournaments. Before the WTC final, Virat Kohli had lost in the semi-final of the 2019 ICC World Cup.
It was a bowling-friendly pitch, and even the Kiwi batters found it difficult to bat: Sunil Gavaskar
Cheteshwar Pujara has been an essential member of India's wheel in the ICC World Test Championship. However, the way he has been performing off late has been highly disappointing. The 33-Test veteran is averaging over 46.1 this year with a strike rate of 44.6. The Saurashtra-born has not even scored a century in two years. After suffering a defeat in the WTC final, Virat Kohli has hinted at making some changes to the squad for the upcoming England series. India will face England in five Test matches, starting on August 4.
Sunil Gavaskar also talked about that the conditions at The Ageas Bowl. The former stated that it was a bowling-friendly pitch and even the Kiwi batters found it difficult to bat. Thus, Sunil Gavaskar believes there is unnecessary criticism being thrown at Puajra's way. The former Indian captain also heaped praises on Kane Williamson. The skipper managed scores of 49 and 52* in the final and took his side home. Having been set a below-par target of 139 runs by team India, NZ reached 140 for two in 45.5 overs.
The 71-year-old distinguished Kane Williamson from other batters in the game because of his patience and good shot selection in bowling-friendly conditions. He further added that others could learn from the New Zealand captain. The next ICC tournament that the Indian cricket team will play in the T20 World Cup in October. The event is scheduled to be played in India.