The inaugural edition of the World Test Championship (WTC) came to an end on Day 6 of the WTC Final. New Zealand came out as the champions, beating India comfortably by 8 wickets. This was a deserved win for the Kiwis, who have dominated teams throughout the WTC cycle. It was the Black Caps’ first ICC trophy after 18 years, having beaten India in the 2003 Champions Trophy final.
Set a target of 139 after blowing away India for 170 in the second innings, New Zealand were in a spot of bother at 44/2. However, their most experienced batsmen, Kane Williamson, and Ross Taylor saw their team through with no further hiccups, eventually reaching the target with a few overs to spare.
Delhi Capitals discloses the reason for the keeping change
During the course of the chase, an unusual keeping change was forced. Although the reason at the time was unknown, it has now been revealed as to why Rishabh Pant, who has been India’s first-choice keeper ever since cementing his place in Australia, was seen walking off the field.
Between a five-over gap starting from over 26, the secondary keeper in the side, Wriddhiman Saha, was thus called upon to take the gloves. The reason being the fact that Pant was feeling unwell, and unable to continue at the time.
Rishabh Pant is unwell and Wriddhiman Saha has taken over the wicket-keeping duties at the moment 🧤#WTCFinal #WTC21 #INDvNZ
— Delhi Capitals (Stay Home. Wear Double Masks😷) (@DelhiCapitals) June 23, 2021
It came as a worry to the fans, who were kept in the dark about the change in keeping. However, since the next series against England is more than a month away, Pant will have enough time to recover from whatever caused him an issue.
After winning the final, New Zealand will head home as they are done with their assignments in the UK. The Men in Blue, on the other hand, will stay on to face England in a very important 5-match series that starts on August 4.