WTC Final 2023: India Squad WTC Final – Team India Selectors have a tough job on their hands as the submission for the World Test Championship Final squad nears. The BCCI is supposed to submit the squad for WTC final by May 7 with May 22 as the deadline for final changes. With Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah all ruled out of contention, the selection committee led by interim chairman Shiv Sunder Das have their work cut out. Follow India vs Australia World Test Championship Final LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN.
Rishabh Pant was India’s first casualty with his accident ruling him out of action in 2023. Jasprit Bumrah and Shreyas Iyer were the next to follow, both suffering recurring back injuries and undergoing surgery for the same. Prasidh Krishna, who was part of the squad for the last England tour, is also ruled out due to injury.
India’s Injury List
- Rishabh Pant
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Shreyas Iyer
- Prasidh Krishna
The injuries have created a huge hole in the side and Rohit Sharma is scrambling for options. While most of the squad from the Border Gavaskar Trophy is set to be retained, some new and old faces could return given the conditions at the Oval. Having lost the WTC Final in 2021, the Shiv Sunder Das led committee will be keen to give Rohit Sharma – Rahul Dravid the best tools available to end India’s ICC trophy drought. They however have 3 BIG DECISIONS to make which will make or break the team combination.
1. India’s wicketkeeper conundrum – KS Bharat to stay?
Rishabh Pant was not only India’s best man behind the stumps but also a dependable middle-order bat. His absence has plunged a huge hole in the side affecting the balance of the side. KS Bharat made his debut during the Border Gavaskar Trophy but failed to inspire with the bat in hand. While the Andhra star is more than an able gloveman, his batting is susceptible, especially in conditions where he could be against the second new ball.
KL Rahul is another option, but the Selectors and the team management seem disinterested in taking the route, given his lack of experience in red-ball keeping. While Rahul keeps in ODIs, keeping him on the field for 90 overs would be a huge risk, especially with the 2023 World Cup later this year. Bharat thus will likely be first choice again, with Ishan Kishan being a backup.
2. Jasprit Bumrah Replacement: Who will lead India’s attack?
Jasprit Bumrah has been India’s spearhead across formats. He was the captain in Rohit Sharma’s absence in India’s last Test in England. However injuries have plagued India’s Premier pacer. While Bumrah’s ability cannot be overstated, India do have sufficient depth in fast bowling.
Veterans Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav will play a huge role given their experience of conditions. Mohammed Siraj has grown into a dependable strike bowler across formats and will be Rohit’s go-to partnership breaker.
Shardul Thakur should also make a return given his stellar record with both bat and ball in overseas Tests. India are likely to have more options travelling with Jaydev Unadkat, Mukesh Kumar also in the fray.
3. Middle-order muddle – Shubman Gill at 5, Return for Rahane or Vihari?
Shreyas Iyer had made the No.5 spot his own over the past few months with some crunch innings. However, his injury has once again left the selectors in a lurch. Suryakumar Yadav made his debut against Australia but was far from impressive. His form has since plummeted across formats making his case difficult.
Shubman Gill meanwhile has a strong case. Gill has made a fine return to the Indian team opening the innings with Rohit Sharma. However, given KL Rahul’s record in England, Gill could take up a middle-order spot which could suit his style of play.
Rahul himself could feature down the order, but his partnerships with Rohit during India’s 2-2 draw vs England remain fresh in memory. Sacked as vice-captain, Rahul himself will have a point to prove.
Veterans Ajinkya Rahane and Hanuma Vihari also remain in contention despite being ignored in recent times. Rahane has been in sublime form in the IPL but has been asked to be red-ball-ready by BCCI. Vihari has received the same set of instructions as he returns from an injury.
The squad selection meeting will take place at the end of April with the submission date set on May 7, a month before the WTC Final. However, both India and Australia will have time till May 22 to make changes to the squad.
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