Reports: Dinesh Karthik, Sunil Gavaskar only Indians in commentary panel of WTC final

Fans of Test cricket must already have marked their calendars as India and New Zealand will cross swords in the ICC World Test Championship final. The Ageas Bowl in Southampton will host the much-awaited clash, which gets underway on June 18. India have been brilliant in red-ball cricket lately and will be determined to emerge victorious. While Virat Kohli’s men would be raring to shine on the field, Sunil Gavaskar and Dinesh Karthik will serve with the microphone in hand.

The two Indian cricket stars have been reportedly roped in as commentators for the crucial game. Notably, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is scrambling for commentators for the WTC final. Due to the stringent protocols and 10-day quarantine period for overseas professionals, many Indian and New Zealand cricket experts have refused to commentate on the WTC final.

Sunil Gavaskar, Dinesh Karthik to commentate in WTC final

As per a report in Cricbuzz, veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik and batting legend Sunil Gavaskar are the only Indians ready to join the on-ground panel for the summit clash. They will be accompanied by New Zealand’s Simon Doull and two neutral commentators in England’s Mike Atherton and Nasser Hussain.

While Gavaskar has given his voice in numerous games, Dinesh Karthik is still an active cricketer and is taking new steps in the commentary arena. The 35-year-old is also set to commentate in The Hundred which will take place in July and August in England. This also means Karthik will not be a part of India’s white-ball team travelling Sri Lanka in July for three ODIs and as many T20Is.

Notably, Karthik was part of the Test squad when India last visited England in 2018. However, the wicket-keeper was replaced by Rishabh Pant after a couple of games and since then hasn’t played red-ball cricket in national colours.

Meanwhile, Team India, which is currently serving isolation in Mumbai, will fly to England on June 2 and will further undergo a 14-day quarantine period. Hence, they won’t get must time for preparation. On the other hand, New Zealand will meet hosts England in two Tests prior to the WTC final and will have momentum heading into the ultimate clash.

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