With IPL 2021 postponed amid the COVID-19 crisis, the focus has shifted to the upcoming ICC World Test Championship final. India will lock horns with New Zealand in the title clash starting on June 18 at the Rose Bowl in Southampton. Ahead of the tie, former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has picked the favourites to win the illustrious title.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had announced a 20-man squad for the Virat Kohli-led Team India that will compete against New Zealand. With the inaugural WTC final still a couple of weeks away, many former cricketers and experts of the game have already started sharing their predictions for the marquee finale.
It is 55-45 in favour of New Zealand – Aakash Chopra
In his new Facebook video, Aakash Chopra has replied in the affirmative when asked by a fan if the WTC final is edging towards New Zealand as the Southampton conditions are similar to those in New Zealand.
“Don’t rule India out but it is 55-45 in favor of New Zealand. Although they are No.2 in the Test rankings and play well at home but when we talk about Southampton, they can play slightly better than us in these conditions in the first half of the English summer,” said Chopra.
Furthermore, Aakash Chopra highlighted New Zealand playing a couple of Tests against England ahead of the WTC final will work to their advantage. The Black Caps will be playing two Tests starting June 2 before the final clash.
“They [New Zealand] would have already played two Tests there. So, there is a slight difference. The heart is Indian and will say that we will defeat them but we are not able to go to New Zealand and defeat them,” said Chopra.
Incidentally, New Zealand trounced India 2-0 in February-March 2020. However, India will look to complete revenge and win the World Test Championship on a neutral venue.
