ICC WTC Finals India squad: The Indian squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, against New Zealand, is expected to be selected in the next 48 hours. The selectors are expected to make a few surprising decisions while axing some big names. A Cricbuzz report states that the squad will consist of at least four openers, about four to five middle-order batsmen, eight to nine pacers, four to five spinners and two to three wicketkeeper.
ICC WTC Finals India squad: The pace department could have a surprise pick in Prasidh Krishna. The 25-year-old Karnataka bowler could have competition from Delhi’s Navdeep Saini but the team management is believed to be impressed with Prasidh Krishna, who did reasonably well in the three ODIs he played against England in March. The other pacers who could be on the flight will be the expected ones — Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur. Mohammed Shami, who missed out on the England Tests, should return.
ICC WTC Finals – Who can make it to the Indian Squad for WTC Finals & tour of England?
- The selectors are expected to at least four openers, four to five middle-order batsmen, eight to nine pacers, four to five spinners and two to three wicketkeepers.
- The squad, however, is unlikely to have too many surprises. The only key debate is whether to retain Hardik Pandya – he is still not fit to ball and even did not ball during T20 matches in IPL.
- Openers – Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal, and Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane and Virat Kohli for the middle-order duties.
- Prasidh Krishna can be a lone new face in the team.
- The other pacers who could be on the flight will be the expected ones — Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur. Mohammed Shami, who missed out on the England Tests, should return.
- Injured players Ravindra Jadeja and Hanuma Vihari both are fit now and will be picked for the tour.
- Spinners – R Ashwin and Axar Patel – the star performers in the England series – should get the nod for the spinner’s role along with Washington Sundar
- KS Bharat could be in contention for the third wicketkeeper’s role but regulars Rishabh Pant and Wriddhiman Saha (depending on his Covid-19 reports) are certainties.
ICC WTC Finals India squad: Big question on Hardik Pandya, Prithvi Shaw
The only key debate is whether to retain Hardik Pandya. With the Baroda all-rounder not bowling even in the Twenty20 games regularly, the selectors may consider other options.
There could be a discussion on Prithvi Shaw, the hard-hitting Mumbai batsman, who excelled in the IPL. But with four other openers – Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal — almost certain, the young Mumbai opener may miss out on it. He has a chance, nevertheless.
ICC WTC Finals: Virat Kohli’s India likely to leave early for England; expected last week of May
India’s Test cricketers might leave earlier than expected to England for the World Test Championship final against New Zealand, scheduled to get underway from June 18 in Southampton. India were expected to leave for the UK in the first week of June but they might travel as early as the last week of May amid travel restrictions in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
India and New Zealand players, who featured in IPL 2021, were initially expected to take a chartered plane from the country to the UK after the completion of the T20 league. However, with the IPL postponed indefinitely after positive Covid-19 cases, plans had to be reworked.