VVS Laxman pointed out New Zealand will have advantage of match practice over India in WTC Final.
Legendary Indian batsman VVS Laxman doesn't think there is any competition or rivalry between Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson, saying the two legends of the modern era are true role models and an inspiration for the younger generation all over the world.
As the two captains Kohli and Williamson are set to lead India and New Zealand respectively in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final in Southampton from June 18-22, Laxman said they have been instrumental in taking their teams forward and to the final of the WTC 2021.
Ahead of the much-awaited WTC 2021 Final, Laxman hailed Kohli and Williamson’s bond, as the two of the most celebrated cricketers going around, share a lot of mutual respect and admiration and have often spoken highly about one another, even seen sharing multiple conversations during the games.
Laxman told Sportstar, “Well, I don't think that there is a competition between Kane and Virat. Rather, there is a lot of mutual respect and admiration. Both of them are true role models, who have become an inspiration for the younger generation - not only in their country but all over the world.”
He further explained, “The way they have led their respective sides, the way they have optimized their potential and talent (is incredible). They have been instrumental in taking their team forward. Kane was instrumental in the smooth transition of the New Zealand team after Brendon McCullum and senior players of that side retired. It was similar for Virat.
Both of them take a lot of pride in playing the game of cricket. It does not matter if they are playing for their country or in the IPL or club cricket, the way they prepare for each and every match is incredible.”
Meanwhile, Laxman believes that the Indian team will have a disadvantage of lack of match practice for the WTC Final, as they arrived in Southampton on June 3 and will likely have an intra-squad practice match before the title clash, whereas New Zealand has already had some training sessions in England and is also playing a two-match Test series against the hosts before the big final.
However, the former cricketer is confident that India will be able to overcome the challenges like they did in Australia, but said New Zealand has the advantage of getting used to the English conditions.
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Laxman further explained, “Well, theoretically, that's an advantage for New Zealand, because whenever you play any Test match in overseas conditions, you at least would like to play one - if not two matches before the main match. There's no doubt it helps you to get acclimatized to the conditions. That's always been the norm for so many years. Especially for the batsmen, it will take time to get used to the new conditions. So, theoretically, New Zealand has the advantage.”
He signed off by saying, “But India has not taken a backward step, irrespective of whatever challenges they have faced. The series win in Australia was a testament to their character and their positive mindset. So, even though theoretically, New Zealand - who is already accustomed to the English conditions - may have the advantage, I am sure the Indian team will maybe have intense training sessions before the final.”