Home
New Zealand's thrilling last-ball victory over Sri Lanka in their first Test in Christchurch on Monday (March 13) might have played an instrumental role in paving the path for India for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023, but India's batting great Sunil Gavaskar believes that Rohit Sharma's brigade made it to the mega show at their own merit.
Virat Kohli slammed his first Test century in more than three years, after Shubman Gill's sparkling 128, as India gave a perfect retort to Australia's first innings' total of 480 with a colossal 571 in the fourth Test. Just before the post-lunch session on the final day, Team India received a favourable news that Kane Williamson's cracking ton has sealed New Zealand's thrilling two-wicket win over Sri Lanka in Christchurch, which helped India make it to their second successive WTC final which will be played at the Oval from June 7 to June 11. New Zealand's win also dashed Sri Lanka's hopes of reaching the WTC final.
"I don't think India owe New Zealand anything. India have played outstanding cricket over the years to qualify, to be the No.2 team, whatever you might say," Gavaskar told Sports Tak.
"New Zealand won, fine, it's good for New Zealand cricket, but I don't think Indian cricket owes New Zealand cricket any thank you or anything of that sort. Because India have played quite outstanding cricket over the last two years since the 2021 World Test Championship final and therefore, they deserve to be in the finals on their own and not with anybody's help," Gavaskar added.
Riding on the fourth Test draw, India clinched the four-match Border-Gavaskar series 2-1 against Australia. The series win also meant India sealed their 16th straight Test series at home. Kohli made his presence felt in the fourth Test against Australia in Ahmedabad. Riding on Kohli's splendid century (186) , India gave a strong retort to Australia's 480 with a dominating 571, however the match meandered to a draw. Batting juggernaut Kohli ended his century drought in the longest on Day 4 of the series decider as he scored his first Test ton since November 2019.
ALSO READ:
'I wasn't counting my chickens before they hatched..': Blunt Dravid plays down WTC final hype
IND vs AUS: Rohit Sharma breaks silence on Virat Kohli's sickness uproar, says 'the way he was...'
