WTC Final 2023: Team India are set to take on Australia in the final encounter of the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. The clash is set to be played on June 7. With less than one month to go for the epic battle, India has a lot to worry about with several of their key players either injured or ruled out. Here, we will take a look at the current form and injury status of the Indian squad for WTC Final at Oval. Follow IND vs AUS World Test Championship Final LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN.
- Rohit Sharma (C)
Skipper Rohit Sharma has been out of touch lately. The right-handed batter has struggled with the bat as he has bagged two ducks in his last three IPL innings. Rohit’s form will be a big concern for team India and scoring runs will not come easy against Pat Cummins and Co that too in tough English conditions.
- Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill has been in terrific touch with the bat in IPL and the youngster will want to continue his good run against Australia as well. So far, Gill has amassed 469 runs in 11 innings at an average of almost 47. However, it remains to be seen how Gill will tackle Australia’s lethal pace attack.
- Cheteshwar Pujara
Not playing in IPL, Pujara has been impressive touch in red-ball format. Playing in English County cricket, he has slammed three century for Sussex in four matches this season. Pujara, who is leading Sussex this season, brought up another fine century recently against Worcestershire.
- Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli has been impressive touch lately in IPL and a lot will depend on his shoulders if team India are to win the prestigious WTC trophy. In IPL 2023, Kohli has amassed 419 in ten innings at an average of 46.56. Looking at Kohli’s record against the Aussies, a lot will depend on the right-handed batter to boost India’s chances.
- Ajinkya Rahane
Due to his explosive batting form in the ongoing IPL, Ajinkya Rahane was named in the Indian squad for WTC. Once a permanent member of Indian Test squad, Rahane will want to cement his place once more in Indian team. Apart from IPL, Rahane also had a decent outing in Ranji Trophy 2022-23.
- KS Bharat
With KL Rahul out of the contention for WTC final, team India might opt for KS Bharat as their wicketkeeping option. Bharat was also part of the Indian squad during the last concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy as he played some vital knocks for the home side. Representing Gujarat Titans, Bharat is yet to play a game in IPL this season.
- Ravichandran Ashwin
Despite the match being played in Oval, team India might be tempted to include their senior all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin considering the number of left-handed batters in the Australian squad. Currently Ashwin is a part of the Rajasthan Royals in IPL and has bowled some decent spells with the ball.
- Ravindra Jadeja
Team India’s star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is expected to play a crucial role for team India’s success in WTC final’s against Australia. Jadeja has not had much of a say with the bat in the current edition due to CSK’s heavy top order. However, the left-arm spinner has bowled some excellent spell bamboozling several quality batters in the competition.
- Shardul Thakur
Considering his knack to pick wickets with the ball and his ability to hit a long ball, Shardul Thakur might turn out to be the dark horse team India might require in WTC final’s. Known for his ability to swing and seam the Red Cherry, Shardul might be handy with the new ball and can be used as a pinch hitter if India wants to take the pressure on the Aussies.
India Take on Australia in WTC Final 2023 on June 7,
- Mohammed Siraj
Team India’s spearhead with the new ball, Mohammed Siraj will be a key factor as far as team India pace bowling department is concerned. Playing in IPL, Siraj has so far scalped 15 wickets in just 10 outings and has looked ever so fit. With no Bumrah in the team, Siraj’s role with the new ball becomes ever so important.
- Mohammad Shami
Just like Siraj, Mohammad Shami is also spewing venom with the ball in IPL. Currently, he is the leading wicket-taker in the ongoing competition with 19 scalps to his name in 11 outings. Shami has been bowling tight line and lengths and has looked ever so fit as he regularly bowling around 140-145kmph deliveries.
India’s squad for WTC final: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, KS Bharat (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, Ishan Kishan (wk).
Standby players: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Mukesh Kumar, Suryakumar Yadav.
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