India, boosted by the sun that has dried the Hampshire Bowl pitch over the past few days, and as per weather condition today is humid cloudy and chances of rain.
Kiwis who are in good confidence as they beat England 1-0 in a two-Test series this month, India are devoid of any match practice here and will head into a game of magnitude without any competitive match practice. Virat Kohli's men, therefore, will have to recall all the past experience of playing in England.
Wicket-keeper: Rishab Pant
Batsmen: R Sharma, C Pujara, R Taylor, K Williamson
All-rounders: R Jadeja, R Ashwin
Bowlers: T Southee, N Wagner, T Boult, J Bumrah
India had played Kiwis in the WTC cycle, losing 2-0 in an away series last year team India should take it as a lesson. The way the India team practice hard on the ground in terms of a practice match and regular practice sessions they can rid off of their last loss against the kiwis. As they have experienced bowlers like Ishant Sharma, Shami, Ashwin and Jadeja all players are in their good forms.
The Kiwis pace bowlers turned out to be unplayable as they ran through India's batting order. But Rohit and Gill will give a good start to the team and till 7-8 order we have a well-experienced batsman.
Ahead of the WTC final, there has been talked about how New Zealand's pace bowlers could again trouble the Indians.
However, Hampshire Bowl pitch's history of helping spinners as well as the bright sunshine that would leave the surface dry could offer encouragement to Indians who are likely to field two spinners in Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin.
Whatever be the nature of the pitch, India will have to start well whether they bat or bowl. If they bat first then Rohit and shubham should play 7 to 8 overs calmly. My prediction says India will do bat first.
