As India and Sri Lanka both are trying hard to make it to the final of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2021-23, former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar predicted the second finalist who will compete with Australia on June 7–11 at The Oval, London, for the Mace.
While Australia booked their place in the WTC 2023 final, India must beat the Kangaroos in the ongoing Ahmedabad Test to make it to the summit clash, whereas Sri Lanka needs to beat New Zealand 2-0 in the two-match Test series to reach the final.
However, Sri Lanka’s chances to qualify for the WTC 2023 final will end even before they take on New Zealand in the second test if Team India manages to beat Australia in the Ahmedabad test.
Well, Manjrekar doesn’t think Sri Lanka has the capability to beat New Zealand, so India is the clear favorite according to the commentator to make it to the WTC Final for the second consecutive time.
Sanjay Manjrekar was quoted as saying to Star Sports: “It was a brilliant start and we were right there on the ground, experiencing the vibe at the start. There were so many things going for this Test match. It's being played at one of the biggest stadiums in the world.”
He continued, “It's a great setting when people are there, every seat was taken. World Test Championship takes for India, on the verge of getting there. I think India will get there. I don't think Sri Lanka are capable of upsetting New Zealand. So, I believe, India are already in the final. But, you still have to actually, you know, officially get there. So that tension was there.”
Manjrekar signed off by saying, “Plus the series hanging the way it has, Australia making that brilliant comeback in Indore and plus a figure like Narendra Modi at the ground. That buzz was there. Every box was ticked before the start of this Test.”
