Ahead of the highly anticipated ICC World Test Championship final against Australia, India’s former head coach Ravi Shastri He has shared his favorite eleven to play.
Reflecting on the lessons learned from India’s last final appearance, Ravi Shastri stressed the importance of selecting a team that suits the prevailing conditions. With the cloudy weather at this time, Shastri revealed the chosen twelve to him.
LPI 2023 | Dream11 Prediction | Fantasy Cricket Tips | Today’s Cricket Match Prediction | cricket news | Live cricket score
At the top of the batting order, Shastri named Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, followed by the reliable Cheteshwar Pujara. The experienced trio of Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane and the multi-talented Ravindra Jadeja were also included in the line-up. Shastri noted that the choice of the final selection would depend on the team’s balance between spinners and closers.
Also Read: ICC World Test Championship Final: ‘He’s a proper Test wicketkeeper’ – Ex-selector Sarandeep Singh backs KS Bharat to play Ishan Kishan
Ravi Shastri talks about the debate between KS Bharat and Ishan Kishan
The former manager deliberated between KS Bharat and Ishan Kishan over the goalkeeper spot, stressing the need to align his inclusion with his chosen bowling combination. If two spinners are part of the playing XI, Bharat could get the nod, while if the team opts for four closers and a spinner, Kishan could find himself in the lineup.
LPI 2023 | India national cricket team | Chennai Super Kings (CSK) | Capitals of Delhi (DC) | Gujarat Titans (GT) | Knights Riders of Calcutta (KKR) | Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) | Mumbai Indians (MI) | Punjab Kings (PBKS) | Rajasthan Royals (RR) | Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) | Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
In terms of the bowling attack, Ravi Shastri named the versatile all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin along with the seamstress trio of Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur. Shastri assigned Umesh Yadav as the 12th man, providing an additional bowling option if required.
Ravi Shastri’s selection strategy focused on adapting to the prevailing conditions at the site, based on past experiences. The overcast weather expected in Southampton played a large part in shaping the chosen eleven.
“When you look at the WTC, you remember the last time India was in the final. It is very important that you learn from that game that you choose a team that suits the conditions. Last time in Southampton the weather was very cloudy so I will pick my 12. Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane,” he said on Star Sports.
“Now the choice has to be between KS Bharat and Ishan Kishan, I have a feeling India could, if two spinners are playing maybe Bharat, if there are four closers and one spinner then it will be the other way around, Ishan could go Kishan way . Then Ravindra Jadeja, Mohamed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur and Ravichandran Ashwin. And Umesh Yadav as the 12th man.”
Also Read: ICC World Test Championship Final: ‘It’s going to be a cracker’: Steve Smith talks about Australia’s upcoming clash against India
As India aims to clinch the prestigious World Test Championship title, Ravi Shastri’s astute team selection and emphasis on conditions indicates the team’s preparation and determination. The final against Australia promises to be an exciting battle, with both teams eager to make their mark and emerge as the ultimate champions.
Also Read: ICC World Test Championship Final: ‘The Wealth Of Experience He Has’: Anjum Chopra Talks Wriddhiman Saha Snub Of WTC Team India
Taking into account the playing conditions of the last leg of India in the WTC final, @RaviShastriOfc covers all the bases in picking India’s playing XI for the next #LastTest.
Tune in #WTCFinalOnStar
June 7-11 | 2:00 p.m. onwards | Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar.#BelieveInBlue pic.twitter.com/QORapa1PQP– Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 1, 2023
Playing XI of Ravi Shastri: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, KS Bharat/Ishan Kishan, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur and Ravichandran Ashwin. (12th Man: Umesh Yadav)
virat kohli | rohit sharma | Rishabh trousers | Raul KL | Suryakumar Yadav | sanju samson | Shreyas Iyer | Yuzvendra Chahal | Jasprit Bumrah