Mumbai: Former India captain and batsman Dilip Vengsarkar has picked the his favourite team ahead of the India vs New Zealand WTC final. He also reckons that Virat Kohli and his men hold the advantage over their opponents.
“If you compare the New Zealand team to the Indian team, man to man, India looks the better team. Of course, Trent Boult is a world-class bowler and Kane Williamson is a world-class batsman. But India is a more all-round team. We have got quality spinners like Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, we have got quality fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj and quality batters as well,” Vengsarkar told PTI.
There has been talk about New Zealand being better acclimatized to the conditions, given that they are playing a two-match Test series against England before the Historic clash.
“There are talented players in Indian team. Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, they are world-class cricketers. But it is also important for other players to chip in, you know, because you can’t depend only on two players. If you are playing Test match cricket, everybody has to contribute.”
India are currently leading the ICC World Test Championship’s points table with 520 points followed by New Zealand, who are 100 points away. Having beaten England and Australia down in their last two Test series, the Men in Blue are high on confidence.
The former BCCI chief selector opined that lack of match practice means even world-class cricketers like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma could struggle in the World Test Championship final. “Well, he (Kohli) has been around for a long time. He is one of the best batsmen in world cricket at the moment. Players like Virat or Rohit Sharma, they are world-class players, they take a lot of pride in their performance and pride in winning matches for India. It is a good thing and both are in very good form. But having said that, I think lack of match practice may hurt them in the first Test match.”
Virat Kohli’s Test side will take on Kane Williamson led New Zealand in the inaugural of the much-awaited ICC World Test Championship final at the Ageas Bowl starting from June 18.
