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Virat Kohli
The ICC is promoting the WTC final between India and New Zealand as the ultimate Test. But Indian skipper Virat Kohli believes that the winner of the championship should not decide which is the best Test side in the world. He also added that the Indian team would consider the final as a part of India’s pursuit of excellence.
Virat Kohli stated that it is not possible to decide the best Test team from a one-off Test. The team could later rectify their mistake and focus on things that did not work for them. Thereby, it is important to realize that in a sport, a team could either lose or win the match. It would not decide the ultimate quality of the team.
The Indian team had last won an ICC tournament in 2013 under the captaincy of MS Dhoni. After that, India lost the T20 World Cup semi-final in 2016, the champions trophy final in 2017, and the 2019 World Cup semi-final.
Virat Kohli opined that cricket does not stop for the Indian team based on victories and defeats. They give priority to the right mindset and strive for excellence. The Indian team step on the field to win and play with passion for the game. Every player has to stand up in difficult situations and prove that they belong in the team. Thereby, the players take pride in playing for India.
India is preparing for six Test matches, not one: Virat Kohli
During the pre-match press conference, Kohli stated that the team is preparing for six Test matches. The one-off Test against the Kiwis is not their only focus.
According to Kohli, the England tour is not for just one Test match against New Zealand. It is to play six Test matches on English soil. He further added that the Indian players are aware of their strengths and they understand how to use them during the Test matches.
Virat Kohli also tried to play down the hype around the World Test Championship final. He expressed his desire that India should treat it like any other Test match. It is because the pressure on the team increases with the number of expectations.