World Cup final was a bit unfair on New Zealand: Pujara

India's Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara Monday said it was a "bit unfair" on New Zealand to finish second best after England were adjudged the World Cup winners on boundary count following an edge-of-the-seat final at Lord's.

England had 22 fours and two sixes to New Zealand's 16 boundaries, tying the match and the ensuing Super Over before winning on boundary count.

"I felt there were no losers in the final. Both teams should have shared the trophy. But then it is up to ICC to decide, to come up with ideas. It has never ever happened in a World Cup final before, so I am not sure about the rules," Pujara said on the sidelines of a sports conclave organised by Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) here.

"But it can be a bit unfair for New Zealand because they played so well but ultimately it was a great game of cricket and I'm sure this game will be remembered for the time to come."
"It would have been nice to be a part of the Indian World Cup team but it is something in the past. I am looking forward to the future opportunities and hope to be part of West Indies and Test championship, the focus will be on that. Unfortunately we lost in the semifinals but we will learn from it."
Asked if he thinks he deserves a place in the shorter format, Pujara said: "Of course, see I have been performing well in Tests and so I think I have the capacity to play in the shorter format of the game. I am improving my skills in ODIs and T20Is and in domestic matches I have got the results also. So I want to play all the format."
"So I am having such conditions which could be there in West Indies. You might have fast pitches there where you have to adjust to the pace and bounce, so I'm preparing in such conditions."
Asked if he would be playing County cricket for Yorkshire, Pujara said: "No, not before the West Indies series because the time duration that they want is 2 and a half to 3 months, which is not possible now. If something comes up after the West Indies series, I might take it up."
"So if they are not part of Tests, we have some young players, obviously they can't match the experience of Bumrah and Kohli but it is a good opportunity for them to perform and show their talent. It would be the right platform to test the youngster."