Former Indian batsman Gundappa Viswanath feels that Team India should not take New Zealand lightly in the final of the ICC World Test Championship as it will be a close contest between the two sides.
The excitement is building up for the final of ICC World Test Championship, which is set to be played between India and New Zealand at Rose Bowl, Southampton between 18th and 22nd June, with 23rd, is a reserve day.
With less than 10 days remaining for the much-awaited clash, many fans and pundits have been picking their winners as it is difficult to pick favorites to win the WTC final.
Team India is ranked number one in the ICC Test rankings, while the Kane Williamson-led side is ranked number two.
In an interview with Times of India, former Indian batsman Gundappa Viswanath said that the WTC final would be an exciting contest as both the teams will be playing at a neutral venue.
He added that the Virat Kohli-led side would have an edge over the Kiwis as beating Australia in their backyard and England at home would a confidence booster.
"Both the teams will be playing at a neutral venue. It will be a good contest. New Zealand is a good side. India can't take them lightly. The atmosphere will be different. India has an edge over New Zealand. It will be an exciting clash. Winning in Australia and vs England will be a confidence booster for India in the WTC final," Gundappa Viswanath told Times of India.
Gundappa Viswanath further said that the key contest will be between the Indian bowlers and New Zealand batsmen. He lauded Mohammed Siraj for his heroics in Australia down under and is confident that the pacer would do the job for Team India in the much-awaited clash too.
"It will be India bowlers vs the New Zealand batsmen in the WTC final. India's bowling is super strong right now. Look at Shami, Bumrah, Siraj and Ishant. They all are in good touch. Siraj did a wonderful job in Australia. I am sure he will do the job for Virat in the WTC final too," he said.
After the World Test Championship final, Virat Kohli-led side will face England in the five-Test series starting 4th August.
(TOI inputs)
