Sunil Gavaskar responds to Ricky Ponting’s Big WTC final claim

After the completion of the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Team India will take part in the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia. Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting recently remarked that Indian cricketers may feel tired due to a jam-packed cricket calendar. Ponting said during a conversation on Star Sports that reaching the final without any cricket would give the Australian team a slight edge. India’s legendary batsman Sunil Gavaskar has now responded to Ponting’s claims. The former India batsman disagreed with Ponting’s statement, saying match practice is very important before big matches.

“I would give the edge to India. I do not agree that the conditions are in Australia’s favor. Nor is the fact that some Australian players are resting is going to help. You need miles under your feet for a big match. And most of the Indian players have done that. Even a player who was not in IPL, Pujara was playing county cricket and scoring hundreds for fun. So yes, Indians are in a better position.

Both India and Australia will be aiming to win their maiden WTC title when they take the field at The Oval in London on June 7. The Pat Cummins-led Australian team reached the final of the competition after claiming the top spot in the standings.

Despite boasting an impressive record in the current WTC cycle, Australia will be wary of their poor track record ahead of the summit clash at the Kennington Oval. In 34 matches at this venue, the Aussies have so far managed to record only seven wins and 14 draws. He was thrashed on 17 occasions.

On the other hand, Team India does not have an impressive record at The Oval as well. After playing 14 Tests here, the Indian cricket team could win only twice. Two years ago, in their last match at this ground, India defeated England by 157 runs.

In the inaugural WTC final, India, led by Virat Kohli, suffered an eight-wicket defeat to New Zealand.