As the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and New Zealand will take place next month, discussions are going on about New Zealand having an advantage over India. Since the Kiwis will play two Tests against England before the summit clash, they will have the upperhand feels former India captain Sunil Gavaskar.

The Kane Williamson-led New Zealand will play against England in the first Test from June 2-6 at Lord’s, London, whereas the second will be played in Birmingham from June 10-14. After that, they will take on India in the WTC final from June 18-22 in Southampton as well.

“The pessimists are suggesting that playing two Tests before the WTC finals will be a huge plus for the Kiwis as they will be match ready and better acclimatised to the conditions,” Sunil Gavaskar wrote in a column in The Telegraph.

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He continued: “The flip side of playing those two Tests is that New Zealand could get beaten and thus be low on morale when they take on India and there could be some injuries and niggles to some of their key players which can happen in early June in England.”

However, the veteran said that the thing that will go for India is their “sheer energy” and “enthusiasm”. Notably, they beat Australia last year and then England at home earlier this year in Tests as well.

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“The other factor that will work in the Indian team’s favour is that they will be fresh and raring to go and that sheer energy and enthusiasm to be able to play the sport they love after a month’s gap will more than make up for any lack of match practice. This is a team that has tasted success and that too in adverse circumstances, so any adversity will be looked upon as an opportunity to show they have the gumption to rise above it and conquer it,” Sunil Gavaskar concluded.