India and New Zealand are gearing up to feature in the inaugural edition of the World Test Championship Final in Southampton from June 18. Both teams have reached this far after playing some sensational cricket in the league matches and booked their respective place in the marquee clash.

Several cricket experts and pundits are calling India underdogs going in the final. They believe New Zealand have a better understanding of English conditions and playing two Test matches against England just before the final will make them more aware of the conditions.

However, former Indian batsman, Sachin Tendulkar doesn’t believe India are underdogs.

Also Read: Sachin Tendulkar feels Ollie Robinson should be allowed to play international cricket

“I don’t agree that India are the underdogs. We have played some terrific cricket to get here. Take Australia tour’s example, almost 10-11 players were not available and the guys who were on the bench were asked to play. A couple of them were actually practice bowlers, they ended up playing and they delivered,” said Tendulkar while speaking to CNN News18.

“That speaks volumes of our bench strength. How we’ve been able to deliver that knockout bunch in Brisbane has been truly remarkable. So, by no means I would say we are underdogs. Yes, we haven’t had enough match practice. New Zealand have had the best preparation possible with a two-test series (in England) before this game. But that’s how the game is and we have to accept what has come. I would focus on what we need to do next and not what people have been thinking because I don’t think that’s right.”

Sachin even believes India can play well in the final irrespective of the pitch’s behaviour. While talking about the reports suggesting that Southampton can offer a pacy and bouncy pitch, he added “If I was asked to play on a pitch that has bounce and pace, I would feel that good length space has been reduced for fast bowlers.

Also Read: Sachin Tendulkar believes World Cup of Test cricket should be played every four years

“If they falter on the shorter side, I would get under the ball and play maybe over slips or gully or over point. And if they falter on the fuller side, then I have the chance to play them on the rise. I would say when it starts swinging and seaming around that’s when the problem is and that’s a problem for any side. Pace and bounce would mean more opportunity to score runs. We need to be on our toes for seam and swing.”

Sharing what he thinks will be key for a win in a one-off match, Sachin said, “Before the game, there is anxiety and people talking about the game, that buzz is there. Pressure builds when there is a lot of talk going around. But you need to stay calm and give yourself some time.

“Because it is important to make yourself comfortable in the middle. Bowlers will start bowling well when they are comfortable, same with the batsmen. The 22-yard should belong to you. That doesn’t happen instantly, so give yourself some time to adjust. Due to pandemic, the preparations have been different for our team, so give yourself some more time.”

One advantage for India certainly is the variety and options in the bowling line up which Tendulkar appreciated as being extremely complementary to each other. It is the kind of talent India has rarely seen as part of one crop of bowlers.

“I don’t like comparing generations. We have had some great bowlers in the past. With this generation, the difference is they are all playing together at the same time. They all compliment each other. Ishant Sharma is tall, Bumrah is awkward, Mohd Shami is skiddy. We’ve got Umesh and Siraj too.

“We have a variety of bowlers. They are different and when you put them together, they are a formidable attack. They have been able to deliver. They have been able to work together as a unit. Bharat Arun has been their coach for few years and he has delivered. He has done a wonderful job.”