Former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop stated that Virat Kohli has led from the front and he will want to win the World Test Championship title badly.
India was the most consistent team in the WTC cycle after winning 12 matches from 17 matches and thus they finished at the top of the points table with a winning percentage of 72.2.
Kohli has led with aplomb and the team has delivered the goods under his leadership in the overseas conditions. Meanwhile, India last won a major ICC trophy back in 2013 when MS Dhoni led the team to Champions Trophy triumph. However, Kohli is yet to lead the team to a major ICC trophy and he will look to end that drought.
“It will be huge for Virat Kohli. He has led from the front and has been at the top of his game. He has got a lot to play for. It is now for India to play for millions back home. Kohli would want this badly,” said Bishop while talking in a press conference organised by Star Sports.
Bishop also picked Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami as India’s three fast bowlers for the WTC final.
Bishop said, “Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma. Also, Siraj bowled so well in Australia, but Shami’s experience will get him in the side.”
Bishop feels it is going to be a great contest between the top two Test teams. He added that Bumrah and Shami have great skills but Tim Southee and Trent Boult have the experience under their belt. On the other hand, Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson are two of the world’s two best batsmen.
“Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami have got the skills, but Boult and Southee have a lot of experience. This would be a fascinating Test,” said the 53-year-old.
“You are talking about endurance, change of conditions and temperament, hence Test cricket is important. Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, two of the best cricketers of the era will go up against each other,” he added.
The WTC will be played at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton from June 18.
