ICC World Test Championship Final: 5 Indian Players Who Can Be A Threat For New Zealand

New Zealand are shaping itself quite well ahead of the ICC World Test Championship final against India at the Rose Bowl in Southampton. The Kiwis are on the brink of creating history as they prepare to consign England to their first home Test series defeat in seven years. Not many gave New Zealand a real chance of outplaying England in their backyard; however, they could well accomplish it on Sunday.

But despite the Black Caps enjoying a superior record against India in the recent past and being in supreme form, the Indian team has all the ingredients to lift the trophy in Southampton. Not only have they performed well at home, but they have also showcased their skills in away games. Moreover, having not won silverware since 2013, India would be more than determined to get the job done this time.

We take a look at five Indian players who could be a threat to New Zealand:

Rishabh Pant:

Rishabh Pant has been in sensational form in the last few months in Test cricket. After playing an instrumental role in the historic series win in Australia, the 23-year old also had an unforgettable home series against England. The southpaw has a formidable record in red-ball cricket, having smashed 1358 runs in 20 Tests at 45.27 with three centuries and six fifties.

New Zealand bowling coach Shane Jurgensen has already been wary of the swashbuckling keeper-batsman, terming him as a game-changer and that the bowlers need to be on point against him. But Jurgensen also understands that Pant provides as many wicket-taking opportunities. The youngster, who has also performed well in the ongoing intra-squad practice game by striking a hundred, will have a vital role to play in the decider.

Virat Kohli:

Indian captain Virat Kohli has been in decent form of late; however, he has not piled the runs in the volume he is known for. More notably, Virat Kohli has not scored an international hundred since November 2019 and has come close on a few occasions, but he missed it. The 32-year old would be eager to break his drought in the big match.

Kohli could be unstoppable once he gets his eye in and the determination to win an ICC Trophy for India would be more on this occasion as captain, considering the nation has not won one in eight years. Along with his batting, the Delhi-born cricketer is an exceptional fielder as well. Hence, if he does not make his bat talk, Kohli will ensure he gives his everything on the field and motivate his teammates as well to make New Zealand work for every run.

Rohit Sharma:

Not many have backed Rohit Sharma to score a mountain of runs and instead struggle massively against the moving ball. While Rohit Sharma fared decently as an opener; however, most top-order batsmen have been walking wickets against the new ball in England. With Rohit not having experience playing in England, the right-handed batsman could suffer the same fate.

Moreover, the likes of Trent Boult and Tim Southee are outstanding operators of the new ball and could run through any batting line-up in favorable conditions. But if Sharma could see off the opening spell, he could put New Zealand’s bowling attack to the sword by smashing runs quickly. Hence, Rohit could be a threat to both sides.

Ishant Sharma:

Veteran seam bowler Ishant Sharma is the leader of the pace attack and the most experienced member of the Test team. In 101 Tests, Ishant Sharma has picked 303 wickets at 32.28 and is amongst the most improved seamers in the last two years. But the 32-year old still remains in doubt for the final.

Having delivered admirable performances in the intra-squad practice match, the right-arm seamer would be keen to do the same in the decider. Ishant also bowls remarkably well to the left-handers; thus, the likes of Devon Conway, Tom Latham, and Henry Nicholls would have a hard time combating him.

Ravindra Jadeja:

In 51 Tests, the Saurashtra all-rounder has 220 wickets at 24.32 and has 1954 runs at 36.19. Jadeja’s strongest suit is his fielding as he has one of the safest hands and has an excellent throwing arm. Hence, the 32-year old is a complete package and a game-changer and will threaten New Zealand the most across departments.

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