WTC Final 2023: India is set to face off against Australia in the ICC World Test Championship final, which will be held at The Oval in London, from June 7 to 11. India’s squad for the much-anticipated match was announced on Tuesday by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Here’s a look at the Indian team and some key takeaways from the squad announcement: WTC Final 2023
India Squad for ICC World Test Championship Final : WTC Final 2023
- Rohit Sharma (Captain)
- Shubman Gill
- Cheteshwar Pujara
- Virat Kohli
- Ajinkya Rahane
- KL Rahul
- KS Bharat (wicketkeeper)
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Axar Patel
- Shardul Thakur
- Mohammed Shami
- Mohammed Siraj
- Umesh Yadav
- Jaydev Unadkat
Here is a breakdown of India’s squad: WTC Final 2023
- Openers– Rohit Sharma (C) and Shubman Gill
- Middle Order– Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, and KL Rahul
- Wicketkeeper– KS Bharat
- Spinners– Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel
- Pacers– Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, and Jaydev Unadkat
- Ajinkya Rahane’s Comeback: After showcasing his prowess for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2023, Ajinkya Rahane makes a comeback to the Indian Test squad. With a newfound explosiveness, Rahane has a strike-rate of over 199 in five IPL matches this season.
- Absence of Rishabh Pant: Injured wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant is not included in the squad due to his ongoing recovery from a car accident earlier this year. KS Bharat will take up the wicketkeeper role in his absence.
- Suryakumar Yadav Dropped: T20 sensation Suryakumar Yadav has been dropped from the squad after making the five-day team for Australia’s recent visit and playing his only Test in Nagpur.
- Pace Attack Led by Mohammed Shami: India’s pace attack is spearheaded by Mohammed Shami, who will be supported by Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Shardul Thakur, and Jaydev Unadkat.
- India Aiming for Maiden WTC Title: India and Australia will face off in the 2023 WTC Final with both teams aiming to clinch their maiden WTC title. This showdown promises to be a thrilling contest with both teams fielding strong squads.
WTC Final 2023: India Announces Squad for ICC World Test Championship 2023 Final Against Australia
India qualified for the WTC final after finishing in the second spot in the World Test Championship points table, winning 10 games and losing five out of 18, which gave them a win percentage of 58.80. Australia, on the other hand, secured the top spot by winning 11 games, losing three, and drawing five games, giving them a PCT of 66.67.
The Indian squad for the WTC final includes a mix of experienced players and new faces. Rohit Sharma will lead the team and also open the innings, along with Shubman Gill. Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and KS Bharat are the other batsmen in the squad.
WTC Final 2023: India Announces Squad for ICC World Test Championship 2023 Final Against Australia
The team also includes three spinners – R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel – and five pacers – Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, and Jaydev Unadkat.
The biggest surprise in the squad announcement was the return of Ajinkya Rahane, who earned a recall due to his excellent form in the ongoing IPL 2023. The middle-order batsman last played a Test in January 2022, and his inclusion adds more experience and stability to the Indian batting lineup.
WTC Final 2023: India Announces Squad for ICC World Test Championship 2023 Final Against Australia
Notably, wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant is not included in the squad due to his long-term injuries from a car accident earlier this year. KS Bharat will replace him as the designated wicketkeeper in the team.
While there is no designated vice-captain in the squad, it is expected that Chesteshwar Pujara, who was Sharma’s deputy in the last two Test matches against Australia at home, will be asked to do the job again.
Australia has already announced their 17-player squad for the WTC final, which includes Pat Cummins as the captain. The touring party will be available for selection in the WTC final against India and the opening two Ashes Tests at Edgbaston and Lord’s.
WTC Final 2023: It will be India’s second WTC final after they lost the decider to New Zealand in the inaugural edition in 2021. With a strong squad and excellent form, India will look to bring home the coveted title this time around.With both teams eyeing their maiden WTC title, the India vs. Australia final is shaping up to be an intense and exciting encounter for cricket fans worldwide!
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