WTC final: 'What Virat Kohli is for India, Kane Williamson is for New Zealand,' says Parthiv Patel

Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson. Picture/ AFP

The first-ever World Test Championship final is all set to take place from June 18-22 between India and New Zealand and former cricketer Parthiv Patel is eagerly awaiting this epic clash.

The former cricketer from Gujarat who played for India between 2002-2018 shared his views in a recent chat with a sports channel.

Speaking exclusively on Star Sports show Game Plan, former Team India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel lavishes praises on New Zealand captain Kane Williamson ahead of the ICC World Test Championship Final, "What Virat Kohli is for India, we're talking for Kane Williamson for New Zealand. Someone who is very experienced, someone who knows how to play in the English conditions, he has done really well against England in England, and plus his ability to play really late. I think, especially when you are playing in England, that makes a huge difference. You have got to play under your eye line all the time, so to get him out, you've got to bowl really well against him. You have to make sure you are hitting the areas more often than not. The ability which he has - with correct defence and is always decisive about his footwork."

Kohli has led India in two ICC tournaments - the 2017 Champions Trophy and the 2019 50-over World Cup. However, his team came up short in the final stages of both tournaments.

While India lost to Pakistan in the 2017 Champions Trophy final by 180 runs, they lost to New Zealand in the 2019 50-over World Cup semi-final by 18 runs.

The Kane Williamson-led side that defended 239 against India will again be India's rival, in the WTC final.

Also Read: Parthiv Patel: Chance for Virat Kohli to end ICC title drought

Inputs from IANS

Catch all the action from the ICC World Test Championship Final LIVE & Exclusive on the Star Sports Network & Disney+ Hotstar VIP from June 18-22nd, 2021, 2.00 PM onwards