Rahane has been one of India's leading overseas batters during his decade-long career, but England remains the country where he's had least success.
There are a number of key individual match-ups that could well be the difference in Southampton.
Indian Legend Dilip Vengsarkar feels India is a better team, but New Zealand will have an advantage in the World Test Championship final.
Raja believes that temperament is more essential than consistency and composure is key to seize the big moments.
The No.2 team on the ICC's Test rankings, New Zealand are facing the one team above them in the decider.
Karthik acknowledged Pant's recent batting exploits and even backed the 23-year-old to play 100 Tests for India.
Both sides left it late to secure their spots, with New Zealand ultimately having to win six Tests on the trot to make it and India having to prevail over England across four match...
Yuvraj pointed out that it's important that the two India openers assess the conditions and take it one session at a time.
The clash between India and New Zealand, starting 18 June at Hampshire Bowl, will decide the winner of the inaugural ICC World Test Championship.
Kohli said that Team India takes a lot of pride in playing Test cricket and reaching the WTC final is a testament of that.