WTC Final 2023 | How Has Cheteshwar Pujara Performed At The Oval?

image-lig1vg6oCheteshwar Pujara in Test cricket for India (Twitter)

Cheteshwar Pujara is a rare breed in the world where everyone is busy flaunting their extravagant shots and muscles regardless of the format of cricket. Pujara believes in classic old Test cricket where the batter grinds his way to a big score and the Indian number 3 has been pretty successful for over a decade in this approach now. 

Now, with WTC Final just a few days away, Pujara will be a key batter for India as they look to dismantle Aussies in typical English conditions at the Oval. Pujara has been in stellar form in County cricket for Sussex recently and has smashed 545 runs in 8 innings with three centuries and a fifty. His form and experience of playing county will be crucial for India and let's see how he goes about this business against the Aussie attack in the all-important final.

Tests Played by Cheteshwar Pujara at 'The Oval' (Kennington Oval)

Pujara has played three Test matches at the Oval. He played his first Test at the ground in the 2014 tour while his other two Tests came in 2018 and 2021. However, his record is not promising and Indian number 3 has scored just 117 runs in six innings with an average of 19.50.

Pujara's highest score at the venue is 61 which came in his latest innings at the Oval in 2021 and India would need Pujara at his best in the big final starting from 7th of June.

Pacers vs Spinners - Who got the better of Cheteshwar Pujara most times at the Oval?

Pujara has tackled spin well at the Oval and has been dismissed by pacers on all six occasions at the Oval. He has struggled against Anderson and has been dismissed by the speedster four times out of six innings. There is no Anderson in WTC but Starc who can swing the ball with his left-arm angle will be the biggest threat for Pujara.

Cheteshwar Pujara vs Australia

Pujara has played 24 Test matches against Australia and has a brilliant record with 2033 runs at an average of 50.82. Pujara has hit 5 centuries against Australia but all these knocks have come either in India or in Australia and conditions in England would be a different challenge.

Cheteshwar Pujara in England

Pujara has struggled in English conditions in international cricket despite boasting of a brilliant county record. Pujara averages just 29.60 in England but his new found confidence from County cricket will help him take a positive outlook in WTC final.

How will Cheteshwar Pujara perform in WTC Final?

Pujara's record at Oval is not that great but his stats against Australia and in recent County Championship have been brilliant. Also, Pujara's role will be crucial in holding one end up which he has done successfully in the past against Aussies and we can expect Pujara to deliver in a high-pressure environment of WTC Final.