The cricket fans and experts are eagerly waiting for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, slated to be played between India and New Zealand in Southampton from June 18-22.
With Kiwis playing two Tests against England before the WTC final, everyone is giving them an advantage for the marquee game but former India batsman Sridharan Sriram believes Kohli's team is well-balanced and won’t be considered underdogs going into the match.
“I think India is a very well-balanced side, they’ve got all bases covered. The quality of India’s bowling will also test the New Zealand batsmen. The Indian batsmen have a lot of experience now of playing overseas, so I do not think that New Zealand have an upper hand because of their bowling,” Sriram told The New Indian Express.
“From experience, I know that the surface in Southampton will help spinners. Both Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja will get good purchase,” Sriram added.
Earlier this year, India registered a historic Test series win Down Under even though the visitors were badly hit by injuries and without their regular skipper Virat Kohli (paternity leave).
Recalling the win in Australia, Sriram said: “I don’t think they (India) are over-dependent on Kohli because they beat Australia without him Down Under. But obviously having Kohli is a big advantage given his calibre.”
"What sets Kohli’s batting apart from the rest? His biggest attribute is the intensity he brings to every practice session. His desire to be the world’s best is unmatched," he concluded.
