'That's going to happen in WTC Final' - Shane Bond reveals interesting conversation between Rohit Sharma and Boult during IPL

Former New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond has revealed an interesting conversation between Rohit Sharma and Trent Boult. Notably, both Rohit and Boult are all set to feature in the final of the World Test Championship as India will lock horns against New Zealand at Southampton. 

While Rohit will open the innings for India, Boult is expected to lead New Zealand’s bowling attack. The two players last met during the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as they together represented Mumbai Indians. Shane Bond, who was also present in the MI contingent as their bowling coach, revealed that the duo discussed meeting for the WTC final during IPL. 

Speaking in a virtual press conference organized by Star Sports, Bond recalled an incident when the New Zealand speedster bowled a delivery that hit Rohit on the pad to give him a glimpse of the WTC final. “What I do know is that even during the IPL, Trent Boult was running in and swinging the ball and hitting him on the pad and telling him ‘that’s going to happen in the WTC final’,” Shane Bond said.

“They were already talking about it months in advance which was just brilliant. They were very aware, those two, that they were going to come up against each other,” he added.

I almost see Rohit Sharma as a Matthew Hayden type of player: Shane Bond

Further in the interaction, Shane Bond lavished praises on India’s opening batsman saying that he is a dynamic batsman who can score against any opposition anywhere in the world on his day. He  also compared the MI skipper with Matthew Hayden. However, the New Zealand veteran admitted that India’s limited-overs vice-captain has some limitations that can be exploited well by the Kiwis in the showpiece event.

“I love Rohit Sharma as a player. I almost see him as a Matthew Hayden type of player. He goes out, as he did in the series against England on very difficult pitches, and imposes himself. He could come out and score very quick runs. He is dynamic and in difficult conditions, like Rishabh Pant, who can take the game away from the opposition very quickly.

“There are obviously some areas in the game that New Zealand can look to exploit, but what he does is score fast. If he can score fast and put runs on the board, that instantly puts pressure on the bowling group. I can’t wait for that battle, the Boult-Sharma battle with all the banter that has been going on and I am expecting a few smiles between the boys as well, which will be fun to watch,” Bond added.