Shastri selects New Zealand’s biggest threats for India in the Champions Trophy Final

Shastri also made it a point to pick the veteran Kane Williamson out for his leadership, the stability he provides and his ability to bring a certain calmness to proceedings, which he believes will be pivotal in the final.

Add to those skills the fact that Williamson’s in impressive nick – he impressed against India (81) and South Africa (102) – and he becomes imperative for New Zealand’s fortunes in the final.

“He’s very stable and there’s an element of calmness, a no-nonsense element about him the way he goes about his job,” Shastri said.

“He’s like a saint, a sage, just sitting, meditating. Lot of people look at the big shots, I look at the way he moves in the crease. There’s an element of fluency.

“Joe Root when he’s batting at his best. He’s forward, back. Kohli (as well). When people move in the crease, the footwork is sound.

“It’s a joy to watch. And then with their experience, their talent, the volume of runs they’ve got, doesn’t matter what format they play.”