We will be playing WTC final, it will be mixed feelings: Pujara on Smith joining Sussex

Just a couple of months ago, when Australia and India were involved in a keenly-contested Test series, Cheteshwar Pujara and Steve Smith were on opposite sides. However, with Smith all set to join Sussex this week for a short County stint, the two cricketers will share the same dressing room. Although, in a few weeks time, the duo will again have to face each other when India take on Australia in the WTC final at Oval on June 7.

Pujara, who is also the captain of Sussex, shared his thoughts on playing alongside Smith. “We have spoken, but most of the time we have played against each other. It is never for the same team, so it will be exciting to have him in the same side,” Pujara told Sussex Cricket after their recent game against Gloucestershire. “I will try and get his thoughts, try and know him a little better. We will be playing WTC final, so it will be mixed feelings. On the field we always have good battles, but off the field we are good friends,” he added.

Pujara hoped that the Sussex players would gain valuable insights from the experienced cricketer, especially in relation to how he goes about preparing for a game.

“He’s a great influence to have in the team. Will be looking forward to having him in the dressing room and trying to have a chat with him, learn from him, see how he prepares because he has a lot of experience [and] the amount of runs he has scored in Test cricket. All of us are looking forward to having him here and sharing his experience. He has a lot of knowledge about the game so it will be nice to have his inputs,” he reckoned.
 
Meanwhile, some criticism has also been levelled in social media that Smith’s county stint would serve as a build-up for not just the WTC final but also the Ashes.
 
In December last year, England skipper Ben Stokes had said, “I guess it’s good for the county game to see players of Steve’s calibre want to come over and play. But I don’t know. I think it’s one of those where you’d probably prefer them not to get any game time out here before the Ashes.”
  
 

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