Sports News- Virat Kohli will approach WTC final like any other game, he doesn't unnecessarily take pressure: VVS Laxman

 Virat Kohli will approach WTC final like any other game, he doesn't unnecessarily take pressure: VVS Laxman

speaking to Sports Today, VVS Laxman said Virat Kohli will approach the World Test Championship like any other game and that he is confident that the star batsman will lead from the front with the bat against New Zealand in Southampton.

Batting great VVS Laxman said on Monday that he is confident that Virat Kohli will not take undue pressure at the World Test Championship final and stick to the formula that has served him wonderfully well over the years. Laxman said runs from the India captain's bat will put the Asian giants in a dominant position against New Zealand.

India take on World No. 1 Test side New Zealand in the final of the inaugural edition of the WTC in Southampton from June 18. Virat Kohli has taken a lot of pride in the way India have played Test cricket over the years and a title at the Ageas Bowl will be a fitting tribute to Team India's performances.

For India, it is also an opportunity to win their first-ever ICC title under Virat Kohli's captaincy. However, it's not going to be easy against an in-form New Zealand side that is heading into the final on the back of a convincing series win against England in England earlier this week.

Speaking to Sports Today, VVS Laxman said India will stick to their strengths and Kohli will be looking to lead from the front with the bat against New Zealand.

"He should approach the game, which I am confident he will, like any other game because Virat is someone who prepares really well for any challenge he is going to confront but doesn't unnecessarily take pressure on himself," Laxman said.

"Yes it's the inaugural WTC final, but he knows that not only as a batsman but as a captain, he has got a great opportunity to hold that ICC trophy.

"He has taken a lot of pride playing for the country. When you're playing at the highest level and someone like Virat, , he will just go out and play to his strengths. I am sure he will call back the formula with which he has had so much success, and he will just repeat that.

"He knows if Virat Kohli, the batsman, scores runs, India will always be in a formidable position. That's what he will be aiming to do. He will be looking at spending time on the wicket and once he does that, runs will flow," Laxman added.

Ravi will be telling the players to not take pressure: Laxman

Meanwhile, Laxman also lauded Ravi Shastri's role in helping the team achieve success in Test cricket, saying the India head coach is a great motivator. The former batsman said Shastri will be making use of the time in the lead up to the big final to help ease the nerves, if any, in the dressing room.

"He is a natural motivator. I have experienced that in my playing career. Whenever you have a chat with him, just a 5 or 10-minute chat with Ravi, you feel really good about yourself because that's the kind of character he is," Laxman said.

"Ravi will also be proud of the way the players have played over the last 2-3 years. It's not only about quality for the WTC final but the way these players have responded to adversity and embraced challenges.

"I think what Ravi will be telling to the players is not to put undue pressure on themselves. 'Just go out and enjoy yourself. It's a great atmosphere and a great occasion to be part of. Don't think about the result'. That's what the message from Ravi will be.