ICC WTC Final: Sourav Ganguly’s advice for Virat Kohli for the toss in ICC WTC Final.
ICC WTC Final: Former Indian cricketer and current president of the BCCI, Sourav Ganguly has a piece of advice for the Indian skipper Virat Kohli that has worked for the Indian side on overseas tours in past. Ganguly says India should opt to bat on the final, if they win the toss, even if the conditions are overcast.
The chief of the richest cricket board along with the entire nation is hoping that Virat Kohli and his men will bring the World Test Championship trophy home, defeating Kane Williamson’s New Zealand in the summit clash.
“If you dig into the record books and see India’s best overseas performances (save 2021 Australia), we have always won matches when we have batted first. It’s about a choice whether you want to face the pressure first up in adverse conditions or wait for the fourth innings,” Ganguly told ‘Aaj Tak’.
“Look at Leeds in 2002 or 2018 South Africa, we batted first in bowling friendly conditions, soaked in the initial pressure, put runs on the board and that’s how won those games.
“Even Mark Taylor or Steve Waugh’s Australian teams rarely fielded even in seaming conditions. May be occasionally when the wicket used to be damp,” said Ganguly.
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Ganguly said that it will be the onus of openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill to remain in the middle for long and blunt the new ball.
“Rohit and Shubman will need to give a good start. They have to at least bat 20 overs which will help Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant to work on the foundation laid by them.”
The former cricketer did not hesitate to praise the Kiwis performance especially the last test win against England.
“They are one of the best New Zealand teams in the last 30-32 years. They have thrashed England in England and are advancing after playing sensible cricket.”
“It’s not just about the win but also about how solid they looked as a team. They won without Williamson, Southee and Jamieson. That’s why it was more satisfying and worth its weight in gold,” said Ganguly.