Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has described India as a strong contender in the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand on Sunday but said that the benefit will not be much because New Zealand is a very strong team. The Indian team played all their matches in Dubai and won all and reached the finals. India defeated Australia in the semi -finals.
The New Zealand team finished second in Group A after India, which India defeated in the league stage. New Zealand defeated South Africa in the semi -finals in Lahore. Former India head coach Shastri said in ‘The ICC Review’, ‘If a team can beat India then it is New Zealand. India is a strong contender but not much benefit. ”
India and New Zealand also faced the 2000 Champions Trophy final in which New Zealand won by four wickets. Shastri, 62, mentioned four New Zealand players who can change the stand of the final.
He described Rachin Ravindra as ‘very talented’ while praising Kane Williamson’s ‘stability and calm nature’. He called Captain Mitchell St. St. as intelligent captain and Glenn Philips as the ‘X Factor’ of the team.
Shastri termed Virat Kohli’s current form as ‘game changer’ while also praised Williamson for good performance in decisive moments.
He said, “Talk about Kohli’s current form, if such players allow the initial ten runs, then they play long later. Williamson or Kohli. For New Zealand, I will say Williamson. To some extent Ravindra who is a brilliant young player. ‘
Twenty -five -year -old Ravindra has scored five centuries in the ICC 50 -over tournaments and is the youngest player to do so.
Shastri said, “The way he moves in the crease, I like it very much. He bats flowing and has many strokes. In big tournaments, centuries do not become like this. He is very talented. ”
Regarding Williamson, he said, “He is very stable and remains calm.” He is very serious about his work. He is like a saint as if it is in meditation. People believe in big shots but he carries the innings forward with the flow. Joe Root, Williamson, Kohli are all amazing footwork. ”
He praised Saintner and said, “He is quite clever and the captaincy is coming to him.” This is benefiting him as a batsman, bowler and a cricketer.
Shastri also said that the player of the match would be an all -round.
He said, “There may be Akshar Patel or Ravindra Jadeja from India and Glenn Philips from New Zealand.”
