Here's the amazing coincidence between WTC final dates and Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson

Team India is all set to lock horns against New Zealand in the final of the inaugural edition of the World Test Championship (WTC), scheduled by the International Cricket Council (ICC) from June 18 to June 22, 2021, at Southampton’s Ageas Bowl Stadium. The clash between India and New Zealand will make a stunning contest as the No 1 ranked team (India) and Number 2 ranked team (New Zealand) in the ICC Test team rankings will be fighting for the elite trophy.

Ever since India has defeated England by 3-1 in the four-match Test series to confirm their place in the final, the fans and cricket analysts have been coming up with their assumptions and observations regarding the upcoming marquee event. Recently, renowned cricket statistician Mohandas Menon came up with the unique connection between the dates of the final and the two skippers Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson.

It is an amazing coincidence that the Test match will start on June 18, 18 is the jersey number of Indian skipper Kohli, and will end on June 22, 22 is the jersey number of Kiwi skipper Williamson.

“India & New Zealand will play the inaugural ICC #WorldTestChampionship #WTCFinal at Southampton’s Ageas Bowl Stadium from June 18-22, 2021… The captains, however, have already a say in respect to the match dates… #IndvNZ #NZvInd #WTC21,” Mohandas Menon tweeted.

ICC changes the venue of WTC final

Earlier this month, ICC along with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) also made a shift in the venue of the final from Lord’s to Southampton to reduce the risk of ongoing coronavirus pandemic. “The decision, taken by the ICC Board, follows discussions with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) where a range of options was considered to ensure the inaugural final could be staged safely with the potential impact of COVID-19 minimized for all involved,” the ICC official statement read.

Also, it is speculated that the cricket body can allow the presence of a limited audience in the stadium if the UK government provides some relaxation in Covid-19 protocols. “Should the UK government’s phased easing of COVID-19 lockdown measures proceed as planned, it is anticipated that a limited number of fans will be allowed into the Hampshire Bowl to watch the final,” the statement added.