Mumbai: India's Test specialist batsman Cheteshwar Pujara feels neutral venue will give both sides an equal chance in the World Test Championship (WTC) final and Indian batsmen are ready to tackle any challenge posed by New Zealand bowlers.
The WTC final will start from June 18-22 and a section of critics are of the view that New Zealand will have an upper hand over India as they are more accustomed to playing in seam-friendly tracks.
"Their bowling attack is very well-balanced. We have faced their bowlers before and have a fair idea of how they operate, the angles they use and we will be prepared," Pujara told a leading media outlet.
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Despite New Zealand registering a comfortable 2-0 victory against India in the last series, Pujara believes neutral venue will not put them in an advantageous position which the Kiwis got at their home.
"I don't think so (New Zealand will have an advantage). When we played the Kiwis in 2020, it was in their backyard. That won't be the case in the WTC final since it's a neutral venue for both the teams. None of the teams will have a home advantage. We have our bases covered and if we play to our potential -- then we have the ability to beat any side in the world," he said.
On being asked if India's loss to England in Southampton in 2018 will have any negative effect on the team, he said, "It is difficult to assess one particular game. We were in a commanding position (against England in 2018) and had our chances. But I won't assess that Test with the WTC final because we are playing a different side this time. The only thing which we need to take from any game is the positive aspects and that's what I always believe in."
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India were in a good position to win that Test but eventually lost by 60 runs as off-spinner Moeen Ali wreaked havoc with a nine-wicket haul.
