India’s legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar believes the World Test Championship Final between India and New Zealand will be a close contest. He urges Team India to turn up fully focused during the final against New Zealand, which will be played in Southampton from June 18.

New Zealand handed India a thumping 2-0 series defeat when they faced during the league matches of the World Test Championship in February 2020. However, things are different now and Tendulkar feels New Zealand have to play ‘good quality cricket’ to beat India.

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“India vs New Zealand will be competitive. That doesn’t mean New Zealand will beat us again. They have to play good quality cricket to beat India,” Tendulkar told NDTV.

“For India to beat the Kiwis, we will have to play well in all 3 departments. Those 50 per cent chances need to be converted. We have to turn up fully focussed, fully ready to deliver. That is not when you start figuring out things. You will have to figure it out before.”

Virat Kohli hasn’t scored a century since November 2019 and it is the longest phase for Kohli to go without scoring a hundred. However, Sachin believes Kohli will start scoring big runs soon and a huge innings is around the corner.

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Talking about the importance of the World Test Championship Final, he said “I am waiting for 18th to start. I am already dressed in blue.. so am really excited. This will be a fantastic test match. Both teams have worked hard to get here.”

“These are the two top teams now. This particular match the whole world will follow. The number of eyeballs, engagement in test cricket, this match will have it,” the former India captain further added.

India and New Zealand will lock horns in the WTC Final at Ageas Bowl of Southampton, which will commence on June 18.