If India goes on to win the inaugural World Test Championship title, it could prove to be the watershed moment for the revival of the longest format just like the 2007 World T20 triumph did for the popularity of the shortest format, feels Cheteshwar Pujara. One of the shining products of the traditional format, Pujara made no bones in admitting that playing the WTC final against New Zealand is a "big deal" for him even though he would try to treat it as another game of cricket. "Yes of course, I think Test cricket needs to survive and with this WTC Final, it will definitely help," Pujara said during the virtual media conference on Tuesday when asked about the epic World T20 victory of Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men in South Africa back in 2007.

"If we win, more young players in India will want to play Test cricket. And overall, even across the world, Test cricket needs to survive and this is a very good way to do it, having this WTC," said India's dependable No 3. On a personal note, it's the hard work of two years that has borne fruit and the team is within the distance of an ultimate triumph. "Personally, it means a lot as I play just one format (Tests). This is the first time we are playing this WTC Final. As a team, we have worked hard over a period of time. You have to win so many series away and at home. To be at top, it does require a lot of hardwork. It's like a World Cup final in any other format. "This is the first time in Test format, but it's very similar to playing a World Cup final in ODI or T20. As a team we are looking forward to the final," he said. Pujara, just like his colleague Ravichandran Ashwin, agreed that New Zealand will have an advantage going into the final with two-Test series against England providing them the right preparation. "Well, it is (advantage New Zealand). But this is something which we can't control. It's been challenging times all over the world because of the pandemic. You can't have all the luxuries of having extra time for preparation.