Hero of India’s 2011 World Cup win Gautam Gambhir has revealed who he supports to lift the 2019 world Cup trophy as hosts England take on New Zealand in the final at the Lord’s. New Zealand defeated India in a thrilling contest in the semis, while England obliterated Australia in the other semis.

"My heart wants New Zealand but mind says England", said Gambhir to TOI.

"England are playing a platinum brand of cricket. They are not holding anything back. It is an absolute fearless approach which has kept them afloat. Even in the reversals, they have backed their skills and ability to counter-attack," Gambhir wrote in TOI column.

"New Zealand too are hot but I am not sure if they are as hot as England. Their bowling with (Lockie) Ferguson, (Trent) Boult, (Matt) Henry and (Mitchell) Santner is varied. They rely on a string of dot balls and choking the opposition. It will be a battle between English aggression and Kiwi tactics," Gambhir further mentioned.

"In the semifinals, England played like Australia did in their prime while Aussies looked scattered. Normally, it is the other way around. I hope in the final against New Zealand, England don't start playing the occasion. It is tough but I have always tried to shut out the hype around me in big games," said the World T20 and ODI World Cup winner.

As for the Kiwis, Gambhir pointed out that the Kiwis relied heavily on Kane Williamson a lot and said, "They need their captain Kane Williamson at the top of his tactics. More than the batsman Williamson, I'd say Kiwis need captain Williamson.”

(Inputs from Times of India)