NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli’s and his men are eyeing a third straight big Test trophy.
After pulling off a huge Test series win vs Australia Down Under and registering a 3-1 win vs England at home the Indian team is one win away from winning the inaugural World Test Championship.
India will take on New Zealand in the WTC final at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton on June 18.
It’s difficult to pick a favourite between these two teams.
India are ranked number one in the ICC Test rankings, while the Kiwis are ranked number two.
The two teams are already in England.
New Zealand are currently playing a two-match Test series against England.
The first match ended in a draw.
Kane Williamson and Virat Kohli.
(Photo by Peter Parks/AFP via Getty Images)India meanwhile reached Southampton on June 3, after serving a quarantine period of almost 10 days in India.
India batting legend Gundappa Viswanath lauded India’s current form but warned them against complacency.
Read AlsoWTC Final: Two very competitive teams, should expect a proper Test match, says England legend David GowerThe excitement is palpable, with many comparing the match to a World Cup final, albeit played over 5 days, with a 6th day kept in reserve to protect the match against bad weather.
Former England captain and batting legend David Gower feels the venue for the big clash, the Ageas Bowl Southampton -“Both the teams will be playing at a neutral venue.
It will be a good contest.
New Zealand are a good side.
India can’t take them lightly.
The atmosphere will be different,” Viswanath told Timesofindia.com in an exclusive interview.
“India have an edge over New Zealand.
It will be an exciting clash.
Winning in Australia and vs England will be a confidence booster for India in the WTC final,” Viswanath, who played 91 Tests and 25 ODIs for India between 1969 and 1983, further told TimesofIndia.com.
Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson.
(Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)There is huge buzz around for the WTC final with many comparing the match to a World Cup final.
The mouth-watering clash between India and New Zealand has been given a reserve 6th day, to protect the match against bad weather.
Interestingly, Viswanath feels the key contest will be between the India bowlers and New Zealand batsmen.
“It will be India bowlers vs the New Zealand batsmen in the WTC final.
India’s bowling is super strong right now.
Look at Shami, Bumrah, Siraj and Ishant.
They all are in good touch.
Siraj did a wonderful job in Australia.
I am sure he will do the job for Virat in the WTC final too,” Viswanath signed off.