|| CF DESK ||

New Zealand is in good shape ahead of the ICC World Test Championship final against India at Southampton's Rose Bowl. As they set to hand England their first home Test series defeat in seven years, the Kiwis are on the verge of making history.

Despite the fact that the Black Caps have a better recent record than India and are in top shape, the Indian team has all the elements to win the title in Southampton. They have not only played well at home, but they have also demonstrated their abilities on the road. Furthermore, having not won a trophy since 2013, India would be more than keen to win this time.

Here are five India names to watch out ahead of the final-

Virat Kohli (C):

Virat Kohli, the Indian captain, has been in decent form of late, but he has not piled up the runs in the volume that he is known for. Virat Kohli, in particular, has not scored an international century since November 2019, despite coming close on several occasions. The 32-year-old would be ready to end his big-game drought.

Kohli may be unstoppable if he gets his eye in, and his desire to win an ICC Trophy for India would be much stronger this time as captain, given the country's eight-year drought. In addition to his batting, the Delhi-born batsman is a fantastic fielder.

Kohli will guarantee he gives his all on the field and urge his teammates to make New Zealand struggle for every run if he does not make his bat talk.

Rohit Sharma:

Few expected Rohit Sharma to make a ton of runs and instead battle mightily against the fast bowling. While Rohit Sharma performed admirably as an opener, the majority of top-order batsmen have struggled against the new ball in England. Given Rohit's lack of experience in England, the right-handed batter may face the same fate.

Furthermore, Trent Boult and Tim Southee are excellent new-ball operators who could rip through any batting line-up in ideal conditions. If Sharma can get through the opening spell, he has a chance to put New Zealand's bowling attack to the test by scoring runs immediately. As a result, Rohit may pose a threat to both sides.

Rishabh Pant:

Rishabh Pant has been in phenomenal form in Test cricket over the last few months. The 23-year-old had an amazing home series against England after playing a key role in Australia's historic series victory. In red-ball cricket, the southpaw has a fearsome record, having scored 1358 runs at 45.27 in 20 Tests, with three centuries and six fifties.

Shane Jurgensen, New Zealand's bowling coach, has already expressed concern about the swashbuckling keeper-batsman, describing him as a game-changer who requires the bowlers to be on their game against him. However, Jurgensen recognizes that Pant provides just as many opportunity to take wickets. The teenager, who has already struck a hundred in the ongoing intra-squad practice game, will play an important role.

Ravindra Jadeja:

Ravindra Jadeja has recently established himself as one of the top all-rounders in Test cricket and an important member of the Indian team. Ravindra Jadeja has not only evolved into a capable batter, but his left-arm spin can also take wickets on every pitch. He might also limit the batsmen's ability to score runs.

The Saurashtra all-rounder has 220 wickets at 24.32 and 1954 runs at 36.19 in 51 Tests. Fielding is Jadeja's strongest suit, as he possesses one of the safest hands and an excellent throwing arm. As a result, the 32-year-old is a complete package and a game-changer who will pose the greatest threat to New Zealand in all categories.

Ishant Sharma: