WTC 2021 Final: ‘India is a better team, New Zealand will have advantage preparation-wise’, Dilip Vengsarkar

Vengsarkar feels lack of preparation might hurt India in the WTC final.

The World Test Championship final is due to be played from June 18 to 22 | GettyFormer India batsman Dilip Vengsarkar on Wednesday (June 9) expressed his concern over Team India’s lack of preparation for the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The Virat Kohli-led Indian side will take on New Zealand in the marquee game in Southampton from June 18-22.

See Also: R Ashwin expects Team India to perform in the WTC final like they did on Australia tour

While Vengsarkar feels India is a better team, but Kiwis playing two Tests against England before the WTC final is a definite advantage for the Kane Williamson-led side.

“Lack of match practice might hurt them in the WTC final; that is what I feel,” Vengsarkar told India Today in an exclusive chat.

He further cited the example of India’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21 triumph Down Under to put forward his point.

“If I remember correctly, India played a couple of practice matches before the series. Despite the 36 all out in Adelaide and a series of injuries, India won the series. The red ball players were accustomed to the conditions before going into the Test series.”

“It was a fantastic achievement, and the team showed a brilliant fighting spirit. The Australian tour also showed the world the kind of depth in talent Indian cricket possesses,” added Vengsarkar.

Before departing for England, however, Indi skipper Kohli had said he isn’t too concerned about the limited preparation time that his side will get for the WTC final.

"...look, in the past we have landed in places three days prior even on a proper schedule and have had a hell of a series and hell of competition, so it is all in the head. it is not the first time we are playing in England, we all know what the conditions are like,” Kohli said in the pre-departure press conference.

In contrast, Dilip Vengsarkar believes that there is no substitute for match practice.

“It is always advisable to play matches and spend time in the middle. Match practice is ultimate; you may have net practice, you know, a match stimulation, but spending time in the middle always helps when you play the big game,” he said.

“Match practice is a must for the bowlers also as it helps them to understand what length one should bowl in England,” he further remarked.

Vengsarkar, who boasts an impressive Test record on English soil, reckons New Zealand might have a slight advantage with their two-match Test series currently underway against England.

"India is a better team and in great form. The advantage with New Zealand, it is a low-profile team. The thing is that they are getting to play two Test matches before the WTC final. They will be used to the condition,” said Vengsarkar.

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 10 Jun, 2021

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