Cricket

India should not underestimate New Zealand in the WTC Final warns Ajit Agarkar

 

Former Indian fast bowler Ajit Agarkar reckons that the Indian cricket team cannot afford to take New Zealand lightly when the two sides meet in the World Test Championship Final in Southampton in June. Agarkar believes New Zealand are no longer the underdogs in world cricket.

Following a gruelling and testing two-year cycle, India and New Zealand have managed to qualify for the WTC Final which is set to begin from June 18. Ahead of the final, the Black Caps will take on England in a two-match Test series which begins on June 2. The first Test will be held at Lord’s whereas the second match will be held at Edgbaston. This will give New Zealand the opportunity to acclimatize to the English conditions unlike India who will fly to Southampton on June 3 and face New Zealand directly in the final.

During Star Sports’ show Cricket Connected, Ajit Agarkar stressed that India should not underestimate New Zealand and believes that the team needs to bring their A-game if they wish to win the ICC World Test Championship.

“I hope not. I don’t think the Indian team would be guilty to underestimate them [New Zealand]. I think the underdog tag has gone away from New Zealand. Every ICC tournament you look at – okay, this is the first of its kind, Test championship – every ICC tournament, whether it’s the T20 World Cup, the Champions Trophy, the World Cup; they always turn up, they’re always there in the thereabout.

“If not the finals, then in the quarterfinals or the semi-finals. And that’s a testament to their consistency. So, the underdog tag should go. Yes, there are, perhaps bigger names in some of the other teams and that’s why you count them as favourites,” Agarkar said.

He further mentioned that the last time India took on New Zealand during the World Test Championship, they were defeated. The conditions in England will also be similar to New Zealand.

“So, I don’t think India will be underestimating them. They beat India comprehensively well when India toured New Zealand and the conditions are likely to be very similar to what India got in New Zealand. So, India will have to play well to beat New Zealand in this contest,” he concluded.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Mohammedan SC’s Andrey Chernyshov wants team to give their best in every Indian Super League match

Mohammedan SC’s head coach Andrey Chernyshov wants the club to give their best in every… Read More

November 22, 2024

Nick Kyrgios says the game of tennis is bland in the post Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal era

Controversial Nick Kyrgios has predicted tennis will become bland after Rafael Nadal’s retirement. Nadal lost… Read More

November 22, 2024

PV Sindhu Falls in China Masters, Satwik-Chirag and Lakshya Sen Advance to Quarter-Finals

Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu’s journey at the China Masters 2024 badminton tournament came to… Read More

November 22, 2024

Gavaskar Criticizes Team India’s Selection Choices in First Test Against Australia

Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has voiced strong criticism of the Indian team management's selection… Read More

November 22, 2024

Mohun Bagan’s Resurgence Under Jose Molina: Three Players Who’ve Benefited Most

Mohun Bagan has bounced back impressively in the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) season, climbing… Read More

November 22, 2024

Stay calm – Ravi Shastri reveals advice for head coach Gautam Gambhir in Border-Gavaskar series against Australia

India’s former head coach Ravi Shastri has urged the current chief coach Gautam Gambhir to… Read More

November 22, 2024