Team India was completely outplayed by New Zealand in the recently concluded World Test Championship (WTC) final, which the Kane Williamson-led team won by 8 wickets and claimed the inaugural title of World Test Champions at The Ageas Bowl in Southampton. 

While India could only muster 170 runs in their second innings, New Zealand had to chase a target of 139 runs to win. Thus, former India batsman VVS Laxman explained the turning point in the big WTC final from where India could not come back into the game. 

“The Indian batsmen, keeping in mind their experience and the talent they possess, would be extremely disappointed with the way they got out. We discussed how Jamieson and other New Zealand bowlers set up the Indian batsmen,” Laxman said on Star Sports. 

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“Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma getting out to Tim Southee the day before. But I believe this was the turning point of the final day’s play. Jamieson set up Kohli and Pujara so beautifully and after that it was difficult for India to pull back things,” he added. 

New Zealand all-rounder Kyle Jamieson who played his 8th Test match picked 8 wickets in the Test match and was adjudged Man of the Match.

Hence, the former right-hand batsman felt Jamieson picking up Kohli and Pujara’s wicket in the first hour of Day 6 was indeed the biggest moment in the game. 

“Rahane was unfortunate to get out down the leg-stump and while Jadeja and Rishabh Pant were trying to play their natural game, trying to put some pressure on the New Zealand bowlers, the tail enders did not give anything.” 

"So overall, I just felt that the morning spell from Jamieson was the turning out. The way he set up and execute his plans against Kohli and Pujara was great to see,” the 46-year-old said. 

(With Star Sports Inputs)