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Ahead of the much-anticipated ICC World Test Championship final against Australia, former India head coach Ravi Shastri has shared his preferred playing XI.
Reflecting on the lessons learned from India’s previous final appearance, Ravi Shastri emphasized the importance of selecting a team that suits the prevailing conditions. With the weather being overcast at this time around, Shastri revealed his chosen twelve.
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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 all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja were also included in the lineup. Shastri noted that the final selection choice would depend on the balance of the team between spinners and seamers.
Ravi Shastri Speaks On The Debate Between KS Bharat And Ishan Kishan
The former coach deliberated between KS Bharat and Ishan Kishan for the wicket-keeper spot, highlighting the need to align their inclusion with the chosen bowling combination. If two spinners are part of the playing XI, Bharat might get the nod, while if the team opts for four seamers and one spinner, Kishan could find himself in the lineup.
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In terms of the bowling attack, Ravi Shastri named the versatile all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin alongside the seam trio of Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Shardul Thakur. Shastri assigned Umesh Yadav as the 12th man, providing an extra bowling option if required.
Ravi Shastri’s selection strategy focused on adapting to the conditions prevalent at the venue, drawing from past experiences. The overcast weather expected in Southampton played a significant role in shaping the chosen playing XI.
“When you look at the WTC, remember from the last time India were in the finals. It’s very important what you learn from that game is that you pick a team that suits the conditions. Last time at Southampton, the weather was really overcast hence I’ll 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 that India might, if two spinners are playing maybe Bharat, if there are four seamers and one spinner then it will go the other way around, might go Ishan Kishan’s way. Then Ravindra Jadeja, Mohamed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur, and Ravichandran Ashwin. And Umesh Yadav as the 12th man.”
As India aims to clinch the prestigious World Test Championship title, Ravi Shastri’s astute team selection and emphasis on conditions indicate the team’s readiness and determination. The final against Australia promises to be a thrilling battle, with both teams eager to make their mark and emerge as the ultimate champions.
Considering the playing conditions from India’s last stint at the WTC Final, @RaviShastriOfc covers all bases to pick India’s playing XI for the upcoming #UltimateTest.
Tune-in to #WTCFinalOnStar
June 7-11 | 2 PM onwards | Star Sports Network & Disney+ Hotstar.#BelieveInBlue pic.twitter.com/QORapa1PQP— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 1, 2023
Ravi Shastri’s Playing XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, KS Bharat/Ishan Kishan, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohamed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur and Ravichandran Ashwin. (12th Man: Umesh Yadav)
Virat Kohli | Rohit Sharma | Rishabh Pant | KL Rahul | Suryakumar Yadav | Sanju Samson | Shreyas Iyer | Yuzvendra Chahal | Jasprit Bumrah
