The Indian squad is well equipped to win the World Test Championship final: Venkatapathi Raju

According to Venkatapathi Raju, the Indian team would begin as favourites which would create a lot of pressure on them to win the WTC championship. India will play against New Zealand in the final of the first-ever World Test Championship. After a two-year-long cycle of the tournament, India topped the table with 520 points from six series. New Zealand on the other hand, grabbed second place with 420 points from five series. The final would start on 18^th June at Southampton in England.

Raju stated that the Indian Cricket team has every area covered. The team has good options in fast bowling, spin, wicketkeeping, and batting. He further added that New Zealand is always the underdogs so they have less pressure on them. The Kiwis can just focus on playing and leave. Whereas the Indian team starts as favourites and have a lot of pressure on them. They have also been performing well internationally which was proved last season when India beat Australia. It is a big thing for India to win a Test series in Australia without the seniors of the team.

Raju opined that although the Kiwis are the underdogs, they could not be taken for granted. New Zealand has proved its worth by reaching the finals of ICC events two times in a row previously -2015 and 2019 World Cup finals. They have a good team with proper balance and the Kiwis did best India in a series at their home in 2020. The Kiwis have the advantage that they look at the game as a sport and that helps keep the pressure less on the Team. Whereas India always aims for the title and that creates a lot of pressure on the team.

Venkatapathi Raju believes that India should win if the English weather does not interfere

Raju stated that India should win if it does not rain and there is no dead track and in case of a trophy would get shared between the two teams. India had been playing consistently throughout the tournament, so they are in a better place to win. The win in Australia should motivate the team to give an impactful performance. India’s strong bench strength would also provide a good backup.

New Zealand would play a Test series in England against the host before the WTC final. That can provide some advantage to the Kiwis that India won’t get. However, there is a difference between a Test series and the WTC final. Hence, it is fair game for both sides.

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