It is Ravi Shastri who has built a self-belief in the Indian cricket team: Monty Panesar

The excitement to ICC World Test Championship final (WTC) has hit sky-high with former cricketers and experts choosing their favorites among India and New Zealand. While some feel India are slight favorites, others feel the Kiwis stand a good chance due to their pace bowling attack. England spinner Monty Panesar has a rather interesting take on the battle.

Known for his straight comments off the field, cricketer-turned commenter Panesar has lavished praise on Team India’s head coach Ravi Shastri who, he feels, has played a big part in taking India to the finals of WTC. The former England spinner also stated that although Virat Kohli is the leader on the field, it is charismatic Shastri needs to be lauded for instilling a ruthless mentality within the team.

“It is Ravi Shastri who has built a self-belief in this Indian cricket team. What they achieved in Australia after the infamous ’36’ in Adelaide is quite a miracle. They won the series even though their charismatic captain Virat Kohli didn’t play the rest of the series, and India kept losing players to injury,” Panesar added, As reported in NDTV Sports.

Panesar also stated that India’s historic triumph Down Under earlier this year, was due to the 59-year-old’s handling of the team when regular skipper Kohli left midway through the series for personal reasons. Panesar also believes that Shastri has managed his young troops well by being a father figure and a motivator.

“It was Shastri who got the job done for India against Australia that too in their backyard”, said the former cricketer.

Panesar feels both teams stand a good chance of winning the WTC final

India now will battle out against New Zealand in the finale of the WTC which is set to begin on June 18 at Southampton. The former England spinner stated that both teams have a chance to win the title.

“If there will be an overcast condition then Kane Williamson-led New Zealand will have an upper edge, but at the same time the Ageas Bowl has a great drainage system, and if weather permits and the game went on to Day four or five, India would have a great chance to win the championship”, he said.