'Everyone's saying Australia are clear favourites. But…': Shastri on WTC Final | Cricket - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

'Everyone's saying Australia are clear favourites because it's in England. But...': Shastri's bold take on WTC Final

Jun 03, 2023 01:35 PM IST

Ravi Shastri spoke in detail about the upcoming World Test Championship final, that takes place between June 7-11 between India and Australia.

Team India will be aiming to end an almost 10-year wait for an ICC trophy later this month, when the side takes part in the final of the World Test Championship against Australia. The side had last won the Champions Trophy in 2013 under Mahendra Singh Dhoni; since then, India had twin-captaincy changes with Virat Kohli succeeding Dhoni, and Rohit Sharma, then, succeeding the star batter in leadership role.

Ravi Shastri(Getty)
Ravi Shastri(Getty)

The side came closest to an ICC title in 2014 as well as 2017, when the side reached the final of T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy respectively. However, Sri Lanka cruised to win over the Dhoni-led side in the shortest format, while Pakistan lifted the Champions Trophy with a dominating win over Kohli's Indian team. In 2021, India had also reached the final of the World Test Championship but faced a defeat to New Zealand, led by Kane Williamson.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Also read: Dreams beyond circumstances: Dhruv Jurel shines like his mother’s gold chain

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri, who was at the helm during the WTC loss two years ago, believes the side has the potential to end the ICC title-drought, and also stated that there are no clear favourites in a one-off Test – referring to the upcoming WTC Final.

“You have to compete. Sometimes, you need a little bit of luck going your way as well. I won't say we didn't play good cricket. We have played very good cricket. The rub of green hasnt' quite gone their way. I always say, this team is good enough to win an ICC trophy. When I was there, I used to say the same thing... especially in last 3-4 years, I thought the team was good enough to win an ICC tropy. Those players are still there,” Shastri said.

“Everyone's saying Australia are clear favourites because we are playing in England. But it's a one-off Test, just one bad day can ruin your chances. Australia also need to be very careful,” the former head coach further added.

The Indian squad reached England in multiple groups owing to Indian Premier League schedule to prepare for the WTC Final. The game will mark India's return to international cricket after over two months.

Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away!- Login Now!
Catch all the Latest Cricket News, Live Cricket Score and IPL 2024 Schedule, match updates along with Cricket Schedule, Purple Cap in IPL 2024, Orange Cap in IPL 2024 and other related updates on Hindustan Times Website and APPs
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    At HT Sports Desk, passionate reporters work round the clock to provide detailed updates from the world of sports. Expect nuanced match reports, previews,reviews, technical analysis based on statistics, the latest social media trends, expert opinions on cricket, football, tennis, badminton, hockey,motorsports, wrestling, boxing, shooting, athletics and much more.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On