When it comes to Test cricket, Team India has established itself as a dominant force over the past decade, both at home and on foreign soil. However, as the highly anticipated World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and Australia approaches, legendary cricketers differ in opinion regarding the favorites. Despite India’s consistent success, figures like Ravi Shastri, Ricky Ponting, and Wasim Akram have labeled Australia as the “slight favorite.” However, India’s head coach Rahul Dravid remains unfazed by the discussion and expressed confidence in his team’s abilities. As both teams prepare for this historic clash, the cricketing world awaits the outcome.
Several prominent voices in the cricketing fraternity, including former Indian coach Ravi Shastri, Australian legend Ricky Ponting, and Pakistani great Wasim Akram, have identified Australia as the favorite. Shastri acknowledged that the absence of the talented Jasprit Bumrah could give Australia an advantage on paper. Ponting echoed a similar sentiment, suggesting that the Indian players might be tired after the IPL season, giving Australia a mental edge. Akram also picked the Aussies as the team to watch in the showdown.
During a press conference in London, India’s head coach Rahul Dravid was informed of the experts’ opinions and was asked if the lack of hype might work in India’s favor. Dravid dismissed the “favorites” discussion and expressed his unwavering belief in the capabilities of the Rohit Sharma-led side. He emphasized that the outcome would be determined on the field over the next five days, and the pre-match speculation held no significance. Dravid stressed the importance of playing good cricket, taking wickets, and scoring runs, asserting that India had the potential to emerge as champions.
“Whatever happens, it will happen over the next 5 days. Whatever happens before that, whatever is being said before and after doesn’t matter. Who is the favorite, and who is not… these are two good teams who are playing. Both teams have some good players. I have very good hope that if we play good cricket if we can take 20 wickets and score runs, I have confidence that we can win this. Probably, not having hype is a good thing,” said Dravid.
A victory in the World Test Championship final would mark India’s first-ever ICC trophy win since their triumph in the Champions Trophy under the leadership of MS Dhoni in 2013. Although this will be India’s second attempt at the WTC title after losing to New Zealand in the inaugural season’s final in 2021, Dravid stated that the team felt free to break the ICC trophy drought. He highlighted the two years of hard work and the team’s consistent success in various series worldwide, emphasizing that these achievements hold significant value regardless of the absence of an ICC trophy.
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The World Test Championship final between India and Australia promises to be a captivating battle, with both teams aiming to etch their names in cricketing history. While experts may differ in their predictions, the Indian team, led by the experienced Rahul Dravid, remains focused on their strengths and determined to deliver their best cricket. As the showdown unfolds, cricket enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await the clash between these two cricketing powerhouses, hoping for a spectacle that will be remembered for years to come.
