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

“Never expected a very easy run” – Gautam Gambhir reflects on his tenure as coach after IND vs NZ 2024 Test series defeat

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has admitted that he never expected a very easy run… Read More

October 31, 2024

Probably has a lot to do with playing on flat wickets in T20 – Gautam Gambhir on decline of good defensive technique in Test cricket

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir feels T20 cricket has led to the downfall of a… Read More

October 31, 2024

India needs Mumbai Test win before Australia tour – Gautam Gambhir

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir feels the Rohit Sharma-led team desperately needs to win the… Read More

October 31, 2024

I cannot say just the batters have let us down – Gautam Gambhir feels everyone should take responsibility for series loss against New Zealand

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir refused to blame the batters after the team’s 2-0 series… Read More

October 31, 2024

It was insane – Bronny James after scoring his first NBA bucket

Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James was on cloud nine after he managed to score… Read More

October 31, 2024

I’m happy with my team’s performance: Mohun Bagan SG head coach Jose Molina after win against Hyderabad FC

Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Jose Molina was delighted with the team’s performance after… Read More

October 31, 2024