Parthiv Patel confident about India winning the ICC World Test Championship

Former Indian wicket-keeper batsman Parthiv Patel is confident that the Men in Blue will win the maiden ICC World Test Championship. Virat Kohli-led India will be taking on the Blackcaps in the World Test Championship final. The mega event is going to commence on June 18 in Southampton. A 20-member strong Indian contingent apart from four standbys have been declared for the much-awaited encounter. During a discussion on the Star Sports show Cricket Connected, veteran batsman Parthiv Patel highlighted that India has a well-balanced squad that includes three potential pacers.

Team India's preparation for the WTC will start on May 25 

The final of the WTC is going to occur in a bio-secure bubble at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton. The final, which was eventually going to take place in Lord's ground in London. However, it was shifted to the Rose Bowl in Southampton owing to COVID-19 restrictions. It will take place from June 18-22, with 23 being a reserve day. New Zealand was the first side to make it to the ICC World Test Championship final. India then joined the Black Caps following their series win over England.

India and New Zealand qualified for the final encounter after coming first and second in the WTC standings, respectively. The men in blue ended with the highest percentage points, whereas New Zealand came second to set up the thrilling clash. The Ageas Bowl in Southampton captivates a five-star hotel attached to the stadium. It also provides a good deal of logistical and operational convenience in times of bio-secure bubbles. Previously, Southampton had also hosted matches between England and West Indies and Pakistan.

Team India's preparation for WTC will start on May 25. The entire squad will enter the bio-bubble created for them from India itself. The eight-day bubble will then be followed by another 10-day mandatory quarantine in the UK before India plays against  New Zealand in Southampton.

India's squad:

Virat Kohli (Captain), Ajinkya Rahane (vice-captain) Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Shubman Gill, Hanuma Vihari, Mayank Agarwal, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Washington Sundar, R. Ashwin, Mohd. Scrikchami, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Md. Siraj, KL Rahul (subject to fitness clearance), Wriddhiman Saha (wicket-keeper; subject to fitness clearance). 

New Zealand squad:

Kane Williamson (capt), Doug Bracewell, Colin de Grandhomme, Ross Taylor, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Devon Conway, Tim Southee, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Trent Boult, Neil Wagner, Ajaz Patel, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, BJ Watling (wk), Will Young.

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