Senior New Zealand batter Ross Taylor believes IPL 2021 finishing early is a blessing in disguise for Team India ahead of their ICC World Test Championship final. Virat Kohli & Co play the Kiwis in the title encounter at the Rose Bowl in Southampton from June 18.
The 14th edition of IPL came to a premature end amid the rise of COVID19 cases in the country and a couple of bio-bubble breaches in the franchises. Considering the safety of the cricketers and all the stakeholders involved, BCCI and IPL Governing Council unanimously decided to halt the tournament on May 4.
Ross Taylor thinks it has probably worked in India’s favour as it gives their players more time to get ready for the WTC final against Kane Williamson’s New Zealand starting June 18.
“For India, IPL finishing early under unfortunate circumstances has probably played into their hands a little. If IPL would have gone on they would have had a smaller preparation but now they will be a lot more conditioned, their bowlers will have their loads up,” Taylor told reporters on Sunday.
New Zealand will have an advantage – Ross Taylor
New Zealand will play two Test matches against England leading to the World Test Championship final. Ross Taylor believes playing a couple of games in England will give New Zealand a slight advantage as they will be better prepared to play India at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton next month.
“I would be lying if you think there isn’t some sort of thought about the WTC final but I couldn’t think of a better preparation than playing two Tests against England. At the end of the day it’s a neutral venue.
“Playing two Tests gives us a slight advantage but this Indian team has been number one for a long period of time and has had a lot of success over here,” Taylor said.