Ajit Agarkar believes New Zealand have long lived with their ‘underdog’ tag with consistent appearances over the years in primary ICC tournaments. The former fast-bowler continued that India won’t be liable for minimizing the Black Caps at the nearing World Test Championship final.
New Zealand has achieved the final in the last 2 fifty-over World Cups. They have different shots to win a major ICC event when they fight with India on June 18.
Usually regarded as ‘dark horses’ or ‘underdogs’ before all major tournaments, Ajit Agarkar believed that the Kiwis have long shed that prestige.
“I think the underdog tag has gone away from New Zealand. Every ICC tournament, whether it’s the T20 World Cup, Champions Trophy, World Cup they always turn up. They are always there about (competing for top honors) and that’s a testament to their consistency. So that underdog tag should go,” Agarkar said in an interaction on ESPNCricinfo.
On why they are often referred to as the underdogs, said Agarkar:
“Yes, perhaps there are bigger names in some of the other teams and that’s why you count them as favorites.”
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The inaugural ICC World Test Championship finalists!
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The Kiwis are currently facing off against England in a 2-match Test series. New Zealand is right now ahead by 267 runs in the first Test, with the hosts at 111-2 in their first innings. The start of the 3rd day’s play was suspended due to rain.
India will have to play really well to beat New Zealand: Ajit Agarkar
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New Zealand has developed as India’s nemesis of late. Team India’s only Test series decline in the World Test Championship cycle occurred during the away tour to New Zealand. The Black Caps won the contest easily 2-0. They also beat India in the semi-finals of the last fifty-over World Cup in an enthralling encounter.
Ajit Agarkar thinks that India will need to be at its best to overcome this Kiwi side.
“They beat India comprehensively when India toured New Zealand and the conditions are likely to be very similar to what India got in New Zealand. So India will have to play really well to beat New Zealand,” noted the former fast-bowler.
The Indian team has arrived in England and will experience 3-days of hard quarantine once they can begin training ahead of the World Test Championship final.
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