Mr. Kaustubh Sonalkar, Former Ranji and U-19 India Player, Group Director - Human Capital Management (HCM), General Affairs, CSR and Corporate Communication- Welspun Group
Mr. Kaustubh Sonalkar
June 16: We’ll keep our masks on, but our eyes will stay glued to screens of various sizes this coming month. After the unprecedented IPL halt, fans can’t wait for the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and New Zealand, which begins in Southampton on June 18. These are the two most famous, deserving teams that topped the points table and qualified for the finals, hands down. Fans across both nations and much of the world wait with bated breath for the clash of the Titans - an encounter that promises groundbreaking sporting actions as well as lessons for a lifetime.
India, an aggressive team led by the determined captain Virat Kohli, rightfully reached the finals on the back of some fantastic test match results — 12 wins in 17 matches. New Zealand, on the other hand, has climbed to No. 1 in ICC Test rankings after defeating England. Overall, they won 8 out of 13 games they played.
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THIS IS A BATTLE OF EQUALS, AND GRIT ON THE PITCH
New Zealand and India have a neck-to-neck win tally of 123 to 121, respectively. Both teams are evenly matched. Though Indian players have always been slow starters, their performance records in England have been far more than impressive. While India has Jasprit Bumrah, New Zealand takes pride in Trent Boult, and so far, they have worked as a united force in Mumbai Indians to decimate even powerful opponents.
Ishant Sharma, India's most experienced fast bowler, came like a breath of fresh air with his accurate performance in England. These two, alongside Mohammed Shami, create a lethal partnership like wolves hunting in a pack. Shami has played 10 tests in the ICC Test Championship and has taken 36 wickets at an average of 19.77. Spinning all-rounders Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, predominantly known for their consistent quality performance, will give India an edge as Kiwis still need to work well around spinners.
THE CHALLENGERS VS THE GENTLEMEN - A BATTLE OF PACE
New Zealand, the darling of the cricketing world, is one of the best teams and is known for its sportsmanship. Led by an exceptional leader, Kane Williamson, they have gracefully made their way to the top of the ICC Test rankings which was previously held by Team India. Here the equally powerful trio that India needs to watch out for comprises Trent Boult, who played 10 tests in the ICC Test Championship and has taken 40 wickets, his partner in crime and the kingpin of the New Zealand attack, Tim Southee, who picked up 58 wickets in 11 games at an impressive average, and Neil Wagner, who took 36 wickets in 8 tests. Both teams have played exceptionally over these two years, and now everyone is looking forward to the nail-biting battle.
THE HOME TURF ADVANTAGE
It is also essential to discuss the crucial factors that can influence a win. The biggest of all is the venue, Southampton, UK. While the weather conditions will favour Kiwis since early UK summer resembles their home, it will be difficult for the Indian team to adapt. During India's last tour to England in 2018, they lost 1-4, including the games in Southampton.
It is also a swing bowling pitch that has never favored Indian batsmen much. Yes, Team India has some of the best spinners, but New Zealand is known for their batsmen who play spinners remarkably well, like Williamson, Letham, and Nicholls.
Secondly, their lead-up to the finals has given Kiwis a head start as they are battle-ready after two tests in Southampton's conditions. Defeating England on their home field has made the Kiwis a stronger opposition as their players are high on confidence. India, on the other hand, will have to match them merely based on their practice sessions.
HISTORY IN NUMBERS
You'd be surprised to know that of the 59 Test matches played between India and New Zealand, India won 21 games and New Zealand has managed to win only 12. The remaining 26 games have ended in a draw. However, if we look at the current statistics, at the start of 2020, New Zealand proved itself to be tough competition; their pace bowlers limiting the Indian batsmen. This is why, out of the four innings, India crossed 200 only once, in the first innings of the second Test in Christchurch.
Another factor that makes this Test worth-watching is how two entirely distinct leaders, based on their characteristics, lead their teams towards a worthy win. Virat Kohli is a highly energetic, infectiously aggressive player on the field. He has led India to 23 home wins and 13 overseas wins. Kane Williamson, on the other hand, is known for his calm and composed demeanor, which rubs off on the team as well. From the 36 matches that he has captained, the team has won 21 and lost just 8.
The best matches are those where it isn’t easy to predict the outcome. As a legendary sportsman, tennis player Arthur Ashe said, “Success is a journey, not a destination”. Today we must agree. There is most likely going to be one winner at the end of this momentous face-off, but the journey has already laid bare the tremendous caliber of both teams. Whoever lifts the trophy, it’s the game of cricket that will win.
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