Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja has hailed the Indian Cricket Team and pointed out the reasons why Virat Kohli and Co. have become the ‘favourites’ across the world. Team India will take on Kane Williamson’s New Zealand in the much-awaited World Test Championship final, from June 18 onwards in Southampton.

India have been terrific in the longest format of the game lately by topping the World Test Championships group stage standings. The Asian Giants also finished the annual year at the top of ICC Test rankings for the fifth consecutive year.

Ahead of the much-awaited tournament, Ramiz spoke to India News, the cricketer-turned-commentator said India have become the favourites across the world and they are doing the same thing that he and other Pakistan players did under the leadership of Imran Khan.

“India have turned into a brilliant side. There is aggression and a controlled madness in Virat Kohli’s captaincy. And I believe, the game plan is based on aggression which helps in releasing the negativity from the system and sets you free. So, India is doing what we used to do under Imran Khan’s leadership. So, I feel happy. There were 2-3 boxes which India weren’t ticking earlier and they have been doing it for over a decade now. That’s why they have become one of the favourite teams across the world. Wherever they tour, they win,” Ramiz told.

“Unless you don’t win overseas matches, you don’t express your command. And we see how well they performed in Australia with a B Team,” he added.

Speaking about India’s chances in the upcoming high-voltage showdown, the former cricketer stated that Team India is a ‘more talented’ side than New Zealand as they have a better, strong game plan which is backed by their instincts.

“The sooner they acclimatize the condition, the better for Team India. New Zealand have arrived early and they do have the advantage. But overall, India is a more talented side than New Zealand. The Kiwis follow a single game plan and if it fails, they lose. Whereas India have the game plan and are also backed by natural talent. Sometimes when your game plan backfires, you win matches relying upon the natural abilities,” Ramiz said.

Written by: Debayan Bhattacharyya