Rahul Dravid
Team India starts every competition as a strong favourite, regardless of the format or the competition. There should only be one team considered the favourite in the World Test Championship final between India and Australia. However, the squad has been a dominant force in Test cricket for more than ten years.
Rahul Dravid gives a reply to Shastri, Ponting, and Akram
Renowned cricketers Ricky Ponting, Wasim Akram, and Ravi Shastri have all praised Australia as the “slight favourites.” Rahul Dravid, the head coach of India, responded to the topic in a sensational manner when he spoke to the media on Monday in London.
Shastri on choosing India or Australia
When Shastri was questioned on Sunday during his interview with Star Sports, the former India coach acknowledged that Australia is the presumptive favourite because of the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. Ponting defended his nation, saying that Australian players will enter the match with a fresh perspective compared to their Indian opponents, who will be a little worn out following the IPL 2023 season. Akram selected Australia as well.
What does Dravid have to say?
Two days before the final, on Monday, Dravid was informed of the experts’ predictions. The seasoned batter dismissed talk of “favourites” and voiced faith in the Rohit Sharma-led team to win the championship.
“Whatever happens, it will happen over the next 5 days. Whatever happens before that, whatever is being said before and after that, doesn’t matter. Who is the favourite, and who is not? These are two good teams that are playing. Both teams have some good players. I have very good hope that if we play good cricket and can take 20 wickets and score runs, I have confidence that we can win this. Probably, not having hype is a good thing,” he said.
