The final of the World Test Championship will be played between India and New Zealand from June 18 to June 22. 8 cricket pundits have predicted this. India is no. 1 and New Zealand No. 2 in the ICC Test Rankings. Despite this, 5 cricket pundits, including India's Akash Chopra, believe that Kane Williamson's team can overshadow Virat Kohli's team. At the same time, New Zealand's legend cricketer Sir Richard Hadlee believes that both the teams are strong and it would be wrong to select any one team.
The Indian team reached England on 3 June and players have been allowed to train in the group from 6 June. At the same time, the New Zealand team has been in England since May 17 and after training for about 12 days, the team has also played a Test against England. The Kiwis will play the second Test against England from June 10. In such a situation, experts believe that New Zealand will be in the lead due to better match practice. Along with this, the Duke ball can also benefit the fast bowlers of the Kiwi team. Read what are the opinions of 8 cricket pundits...
1. Michael Vaughan: New Zealand team can win the trophy
Former England captain Vaughan believes that the New Zealand team will win the ICC WTC trophy. In a statement given to Spark Sport, he said – English conditions and the Duke ball will prove to be helpful for bowlers like Trent Boult and Tim Southee. With this, the Indian team has reached England after a very busy schedule. Within a week, the team will have to play the match without much practice. The practice of the Kiwi team against England can benefit them.
2. VVS Laxman: Advantage to Team India
Former India cricketer VVS Laxman believes that Team India is the favorite to win the trophy. He told Sports Star – Both the teams are good, but India has more chances. India has done well in the last few years in the opposite condition. Their morale will still be very high. Whereas, New Zealand won the match against Pakistan and West Indies at home.
3. Brett Lee: Advantage to New Zealand
The former Australian fast bowler has described New Zealand as his favorite. He said that the match will be very exciting, but the presence of good bowlers in the Kiwi team can give them an advantage. Both the teams are the same in batting. Duke ball and swing bowling, both these things will give the Kiwi team an opportunity like home ground.
4. Pat Cummins: New Zealand Team Can Win
Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins believes that the Kiwi team will win the final. He said on his YouTube channel – there will be a great match between India and New Zealand. As far as I have heard it has rained heavily in England and there will be overcast conditions. In such a situation, Kyle Jameson, Boult, and South can create problems for the Indian batsmen.
5. Brendon McCullum: Advantage to New Zealand team
Former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum believes Williamson's team has a 60% chance of winning the final. He told India Today – New Zealand will have match practice to play in English conditions before the final. Just as New Zealand respects India, I also respect India. I know they will present a tough challenge to New Zealand.
6. Monty Panesar: Advantage to India
Former England spinner Monty Panesar believes that Team India will win the ICC WTC final. Panesar feels that the Southampton pitch can give a turn to the spinners and as the game progresses, Ravichandra Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja could become big threats. New Zealand lacks quality spinners and because of this, Team India has a great opportunity.
7. Aakash Chopra: New Zealand team can win
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra believes that New Zealand's team can beat. He said that Virat's team has not had a good record against New Zealand on foreign soil. In 2020, Team India had to face defeat in New Zealand in overcast conditions.
Akash said- We never beat him in overcast condition. The team that came after winning in Australia had to struggle in New Zealand. Whereas, our entire team was playing in New Zealand. Southampton may also have overcast conditions and India will be in trouble. I am not excluding India completely, but the result is in favor of New Zealand by 55-45%.
8. Sir Richard Hadley: Hard to select one
The legendary New Zealand cricketer refused to favor any one team. He said that both the teams are strong and performing well. Both have some great batsmen. So it is going to be fun to watch the match. At this stage, I cannot reach any decision.
Drugs worth 120 crores seized in Mumbai: Former Air India pilot involved in smuggling, 6 people arrested so far
The Narcotics Control Bureau on Friday seized 60 kg of mephedrone drugs worth about Rs 120 crore from a godown in Mumbai. According to media reports, so far 6 people have been arrested in this case.
'India and Russia can sink their economy...I don't care. Trump resorted to harsh rhetoric when India remained adamant on the trade deal.
Even after the announcement of a 25 percent duty and penalty on Indian imports from August 1, 2025, President Donald Trump has not remained silent, but in the last 24 hours, he has not only made very
Russia Ukraine War: Boris Johnson spoke to Zelensky on the nuclear plant incident, said - will demand an emergency meeting of the UN
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has spoken to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky about the fire at Europe's largest nuclear plant. Johnson has expressed concern over the nuclear plant
Will Putin pay India's price to Shahbaz? Pakistan wants to buy oil from Russia
With the rate at which Russia is selling oil to India, Pakistan also wants to buy oil from Putin at the same rate. Pakistan's Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, who is on a visit to the United States, has
PM Modi In US: Discussion on issues that will make the world a better place; Excited diaspora reflects the unbreakable bond between India and US
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared the highlights of his US visit on social media and said that the visit was positive. In this, many topics were discussed to make the earth better by attending
Elections in 2025: Assembly elections in Delhi-Bihar and by-elections in six states, how much will the country's politics change in 2025?
Today's morning was special. Leaving behind old memories, we stepped into the new year. While 2024 was spent sometimes in sorrow, and sometimes in happiness, now a lot of good things are expected from
Nipah Virus causes panic like Corona, the number of guests in weddings limited and the opening of shops banned; 175 people in isolation
After the recent death of a 24-year-old youth from the Nipah virus in Kerala, the government has come into action. The Kerala government has created several containment zones in Malappuram and imposed
The CM of Punjab is a rubber Gudda, the government is running from Delhi; Sidhu attacked Bhagwant Mann
Former Punjab Congress President Navjot Singh Sidhu has termed the Chief Minister of the state, Bhagwant Mann, as a rubber doll. The Congress leader also justified the allegation of the opposition
Imran Khan's last bet to save the government said to the opposition - will dissolve the assembly if the no-confidence motion is withdrawn
In Pakistan, Prime Minister Imran Khan has made a new move to save his chair. Imran Khan has given a message to the Leader of the Opposition that he will dissolve the assembly if the no-confidence
Now Imran played a bet on the youth: Youth arrested for campaigning against the army, Imran said - 60 million mobile users of the country should raise their voice
Imran Khan, who lost his post as Prime Minister of Pakistan, is still holding rallies. Imran addressed a rally in Peshawar on Wednesday. This time in the rally, Imran has asked the youth of the
