WTC final: Former India selector makes a bold prediction for Virat Kohli, says 'he must be fired up to give...'

India and Australia - will square off in the second edition of the WTC final at a neutral venue which will make the contest even more compelling.

SportsTak

• Sun • 28 May 2023

India and Australia - will square off in the second edition of the WTC final at a neutral venue which will make the contest even more compelling. It will be for the first time in two decades that India and Australia will lock horns in an ICC tournament final. The last time these two sides locked horns in an ICC final was in 2003 when Australia defeated India in the ODI World Cup final. The 2023 WTC final will be played between June 7 and June 11 at The Oval, London. A few Indian players have already reached the U.K. and begun preparations for the marquee finale.

India finished runners-up in the last edition of WTC as they lost the final against New Zealand. This time, Rohit Sharma's brigade would look to cross the final hurdle and bring an end to their ICC trophy drought.

Virat Kohli, who is in terrific form, would be crucial to India's chances and former India chief selector MSK Prasad is certain that the maverick batter would be eager to deliver on the big stage once again.

"He did not have a very great 2021-22. But that is because we expect a lot from him. He has set a very high standard for himself. He has to score hundreds in every match, otherwise, it is a failure. But he is a human after all. The captaincy pressure had him struggling for a while, but once he regained his rhythm and clarity, he did not look back. He has been in amazing form since last year's Asia Cup, and has made centuries in all formats", Prasad told ANI.

"He must be having in his mind that India has not won an ICC tournament for years and must be fired up to give his best to help India win. With his form, state of mind in a good place and his seniority being above 100 Tests, I am sure he will deliver in the WTC final", he further added.