With the ICC World Test Championship Final just three days away, all possible combinations of the playing XI along with predictions for the winner of the final are being thrown out on social media. Sunil Gavaskar is the latest expert to give his opinion on the discussion.
Although usually favoring India in most circumstances, the ‘Little Master’ initially decided to take the diplomatic route. But taking into consideration, the number of match-winners India have, Gavaskar favored India to take the trophy and the ‘Test Mace’ home.
India have more impact players – Sunil Gavaskar
The former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar opined that New Zealand might be match-ready considering their recent series against England which they managed to win 1-0. However, he also felt India won’t be affected due to their hunger to go out and perform after a long international break.
“It’s even-stevens in my view because both the teams are well balanced. There are some who think New Zealand has the advantage of being match-ready. But then India will be match-hungry and fresh and eager to get on the ground after a month of inaction. India have more impact players with both bat and ball and they should win this game,” Gavaskar told Times of India.
Sunil Gavaskar assessed that the Kiwis certainly have an advantage in terms of activity in the last few days but also felt that injury concerns could be high due to the lack of recovery time after the series in England.
“This could be a double-edged sword. With only three days between the second Test (against England) and the WTC Final, some of their older players could have a niggle or two and that can hamper their performance,” he concluded.
