WTC Final (EXCLUSIVE): Virat, Rohit need to be cautious while playing drive shots against NZ bowlers, says Farokh Engineer

On Indian pitches where batters can effortlessly play drive shots despite small tweaks in the length by bowlers, English conditions demand a different approach as the ball can easily induce edge if not dealt with awareness of the length.

Hyderabad:"Don't drive unless it's a complete half volley," Former India legendary wicket-keeper Farokh Engineer has a word of advice for the Indian cricket team ahead of the World Test Championship Finals against New Zealand on Friday at the Hampshire Bowl.

On Indian pitches where batters can effortlessly play drive shots despite small tweaks in the length by bowlers, English conditions demand a different approach as the ball can easily induce edge if not dealt with awareness of the length. And the Black Caps have the arsenal in Trent Boult and Tim Southee who can swing the ball late, compounded by the muggy weather and helpful pitches on offer in England.

Farokh Engineer

Read: WATCH: Kohli eyes legacy, Williamson prize for consistency in battle of equals at WTC Final

"They have to be watchful while driving on the up. New Zealand bowlers will be pitching it up and if the drive is not up to the mark, they (Indian batsmen) might get caught at slip or gully because there will late swing on offer. You have to be on the top of the ball. You can't just drive on the rise like in India. Don't drive unless it's a complete half volley," Engineer told Etv Bharat.

The Indian team is riding high after their recent exploits in Australia and subsequently a replay against England after an exhibition of arresting performances from Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Cheteshwar Pujara, among others.

Asked to pick a standout player who could be the difference between the two sides, the former wicket-keeper said Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill have a crucial role to play but "it's going to be a team effort" if they are to conquer the first World Test Championship's trophy.

However, Engineer added that Rohit, Shubman and skipper Virat need to be careful in their approach as the New Zealand bowlers can consistently pitch the ball up.

"The openers -- Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill -- are both attacking players. Both of them drive on the rise but they get away on good wickets They will have to be careful as the ball will be swinging late. Even Virat needs to be careful. New Zealand's strength is swing bowling and if the ball is moving, it's going to be a tall order for the team," he said.

"But it's going to be a team effort," he pointed out.

Read: WTC final: Strengths, weaknesses of India, New Zealand

For many, a win in the WTC Final could be Kohli's biggest achievement as the skipper has yet been denied the luxury of having an ICC trophy in his winning cabinet but Engineer rebuffed the argument as a victory would just be another "feather in his cap".

"Virat has so many achievements to his name. It would just be another feather in his cap," he said.

And what can be the perfect scenario for the Indian team as they set foot at the Hampshire Bowl and who will he pick as his favourites?

"I fancy India to win without a doubt," he said adding "win the toss, bat first and get 400 in the first innings".

He reasoned his argument, explaining that aside from Trent Boult and Tim Southee, there is not much to the New Zealand bowling line-up.

"Apart from Trent Boult and Tim Southee, the rest of the bowling is pretty ordinary," Engineer signed off.

--Ayushmaan Pandey