Former India off-roader Yuvraj Singh feels that the World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand should have been a three-game draw as the current schedule places Virat Kohli’s men at a “slight disadvantage” .
The Indian team, which landed in England on Thursday, enters the game from June 18 in Southampton with limited preparation time, while New Zealand is already playing a two-test series against hosts England.
“I feel like in a situation like this, there should be the best of 3 tests, because if you lose the first one, you can come back in the next two. India will be at a slight disadvantage because New Zealand is already playing test cricket in England, ”Yuvraj told ‘Sports Tak’.
“There are between 8 and 10 practice sessions, but there is no substitute for game practice. It will be an even competition, but New Zealand will have an advantage, ”he said.
Yuvraj said that India has a stronger hitting lineup compared to the Black Caps led by Kane Williamson.
“I think India is very strong because lately we have been winning outside the country. I think our hitting is stronger, in bowling they are on par, ”he said.
The 2011 World Cup hero said Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill will have to quickly get used to the Dukes’ ball in their first appearance as starters in England.
“Rohit Sharma has a lot of experience now in test matches. He has almost 7 hundreds, 4 hundreds as a starter. But both Rohit and Shubman Gill have never opened in England, ”Yuvraj said.
“They know the challenge, the Dukes Ball changes early. They have to quickly get used to the conditions.
“In England, it is important to do one session at a time. In the morning, the ball swings and comes together, in the afternoon you can score runs, after tea, it swings again. As a hitter, if you can adapt to these things, you can be successful. ”
Gill impressed in his first series in Australia, but didn’t get a run in the series at home against England. Yuvraj wants you to gain confidence in your performance in Australia.
“Shubman is a very young boy, still inexperienced, but he should feel confident of his success in Australia. So if he believes, he can do well anywhere else in the world, ”Yuvraj said.
He also spoke about the added challenge of staying inside a bio-bubble during the lengthy tour, which includes a five-test series against England starting on August 4.
“There was already the physical and mental challenge of playing for your country, add a bio-bubble now. I think it is very hard. I hope that COVID will disappear soon and that people can continue with their normal lives, ”he said.
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