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. Former India cricketer Parthiv Patel has backed Virat Kohli & Co 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 month away, many former cricketers and experts of the game have already started sharing their predictions for the marquee finale.
India can beat New Zealand WTC final – Parthiv Patel
Reflecting on India’s chances and reviewing their overall squad, former keeper-batsman Parthiv Patel told Star Sports that India have the required strength to beat New Zealand on aspects of the game. He also added that Kohli & Co have all the bases covered for the first-ever final of the ICC World Test Championship.
“I think it looks a really strong squad. If you want to compare India and New Zealand squad, we have covered all the bases. If you talk about fast bowlers, we have got Bumrah, Ishant and Shami. If either of them is not fit, then there is Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, enough depth in the squad.”
“If you talk about batsmen – Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara, Rishabh Pant. There are proper batsmen who can bat well in England. Everyone has got runs and there is a spare batsman in KL Rahul, imagine KL Rahul not finding a place in this Test squad. So, how strong this squad could be,” said Parthiv Patel.
India played New Zealand in their WTC cycle during an away Test series. The Black Caps thrashed them as the likes of Trent Boult and Neil Wagner wrecked havoc with the ball. However, this time around, India will be confident to win their first ICC title after 2013.