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New Zealand tour a little easier as compared to SA, says Pujara
India's batting sensation Cheteshwar Pujara says the upcoming Test series in New Zealand should be a little easier than the recent one against South Africa, where the team was beaten 1-0 in the two-match series.
"Once you score runs in overseas conditions, and face bowlers like Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander, it 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 told Star Sports' show Star Power.
'The kind of performance I have had in South Africa has changed my mindset'
Pujara was the highest run-scorer in South Africa, with 280 runs, at an average of 70, and a best score of 153 in Johannesburg.
Now, he is hoping to carry that confidence into next month's series against the Kiwis.
"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.
'What everyone can expect from Team India is the fight which we showed in South Africa'
The right-hander believes that the Indian team proved in South Africa that it is capable of winning away from home, and the main target this year is to win all overseas Test series.
"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."
Pujara wants to play in the World Cup next year
Pujara also pointed out that he is working hard to make the Indian ODI squad and realise his dream of playing in next year's World Cup.
"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," he added.
"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. When you have the opportunity of serving the country, and being part of the team, it will be a different feeling. There are a few things I am working to be part of the one-day team," he added.