The news India had been waiting for came before the conclusion of the fourth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. It was reported that Sri Lanka fell in front of New Zealand and with that, India booked their ticket to the final of the World Test Championship. It was interesting to see the team members congratulating each other after learning this during the match.
In the match where Kohli scored a century and reached a double century in three long years, Team India produced the best performance in the match. India fought back with a much better innings in front of the Aussies who raised a huge score of 480. At this time, the New Zealand-Sri Lanka Test was also in progress in Christchurch, New Zealand. New Zealand won by two wickets in a thrilling match till the last ball on the last day. India, who was leading the points average, naturally secured qualification after Lanka, who was looking for a win at any cost, fell.
But there is something else troubling India, even as the excitement of playing the World Championship final in Tests for the second time in a row remains. The IPL final and the World Test Championship final are only days apart.
The IPL final is on June 1. World Test Championship Final from June 7. It is certain that there will be the same players in both. There is concern that having to play two finals in such a short space of days will affect the performance. “It’s going to be a challenge. Property and people need to be transported. Only a week is the time between the two. Indian coach Rahul Dravid said.
Dravid also did not forget to mention the players who were full of good performances in the series against Aussies. Kohli eventually took over what Rohit started by scoring a century in the first Test. Ashwin, Jadeja, Axar and Shubman Gill also shone in the middle of the team.
After winning the first two Tests, India lost the third and drew the fourth. India won the series leading 2-1. Ashwin and Jadeja became the stars of the series.
Veteran player Ashwin took 26 wickets and 86 runs while Jadeja took 22 wickets and 122 runs.