WTC Final – Man to man, India looks a better team, says Dilip Vengsarkar

Former Indian captain Dilip Vengsarkar believes India looks a better team if we do man to man comparison against New Zealand for the World Test Championship final.

Vengsarkar feels India has got a more all-round team than New Zealand. The Indian team has the experience under their belt and they will look to come up with a collective effort.

Furthermore, India’s pace battery is one of the best in the world and they have delivered the goods in all conditions. India’s performance in overseas conditions has certainly improved in the recent past and they will look to bring their A-game to the table.

On the other hand, New Zealand will rely on the shoulders of Trent Boult and Kane Williamson. Boult can breathe down the neck of the Indian batsmen whereas Tim Southee scalped a five-wicket haul against England in the first Test match at Lord’s.

“If you compare the New Zealand team to the Indian team, man to man, India looks the better team,” Vengsarkar told Khaleej Times.

“Of course, Trent Boult is a world-class bowler and Kane Williamson is a world-class batsman. But India is a more all-round team. We have got quality spinners (Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja), we have got quality fast bowlers (Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj) and quality batters as well.”

Meanwhile, India will depend on experienced players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Kohli had scored 593 runs in the previous tour of England whereas Rohit is also doing a fine job in Test matches. Vengsarkar added that it is important that other players also make a solid comeback.

“There are talented players in the (Indian) team. Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, they are world-class cricketers.

“But it is also important for other players to chip in, you know, because you can’t depend only on two players. If you are playing Test match cricket, everybody has to contribute,” Vengsarkar added.

The WTC final will take place at Ageas Bowl, Southampton from June 18.