As the WTC final knocks on the door, it is high time already that the speculations are blowing through the roof about what should be India’s playing XI against the arrival of the mighty Aussies in England. The hard yards are being put in already and believe this or not the expectations of almost all the players being discussed with utmost dedication and most importantly the tactics surrounding them are absolutely in plenty.
Before India starts heading for the final lap against the might of Australia, here is how they may line up against the rollicking Australians for the WTC finale at Oval that is slated to be played from June 7th to 11th with 12th being the reserve day, the black letter day that proved to be the downslide for the Indian cricket team in the last edition’s finale.
Openers for WTC Final: Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill
The two openers has to be Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. Rohit’s form has been questionable of late but somehow the experts believe that there is no better batter to face the skiddy short balls those will be hurled at you with all its might.
Shubman Gill is in the dream form of his life where he has been excellent in one area that has troubled even the legend of Virat Kohli, the corridor of uncertainty on the off-stump. His drives are timed to perfection and most importantly he knows exactly how to dominate those short balls.
Middle Order: Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, KS Bharat, Ravindra Jadeja
Cheteshwar Pujara becomes an automatic choice when it comes to Test cricket, irrespective of the surfaces. Also, considering the fact that he has been playing county cricket for the last two seasons, he knows better than any other player that where would it all head.
Virat Kohli is back to his king-sized form and believe this or not, he is going to be the key against the mighty pace mafia of Australia. His recent strokeplay has been back to the former magnificent self that we all knew. He is someone who can keep the hunt going in his own stellar fashion.
Ajinkya Rahane’s earlier experience of facing the Aussies and even smashing a century against this same except the likes of Todd Murphy and Scott Boland, makes him an extremely special addition to the Indian middle-order.
KS Bharat will obviously be India’s first choice keeper and hence, he would either be coming at number six or number seven that makes him an automatic pick for dragging the Indian batting order as deep as he can.
Ravindra Jadeja should ideally be the lone spinner for India in the WTC final, as his left-arm bowling helps him create an edge for himself and more importantly he can leave the opposition reeling with his own brand of justice with the willow in his hand.
Bowlers for WTC Final: Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami
Shardul Thakur would obviously be the second all-rounder of the side for the WTC final, considering the fact that he thrives under swinging conditions and Oval seems to be the perfect cauldron for him to shine with the ball and if possible with the bat too.
Mohammed Siraj has been in top form and he would be the chief architect of India’s mighty fast bowling against the likes of the reckoning Aussie batters who pose a significant threat to India. He can also strike the ball at the toe-end of the innings.
Umesh Yadav is another bowler who loves to move the ball around and when it comes to England, the expertise of Yadav makes him an almost unplayable pick in the English conditions. Also, if you want those late 15-20 runs, he can hit those monsters too.
Mohammed Shami is obviously the leader of the pack for India in the WTC Final. and will be making the best possible choice for India’s fast bowling vanguard. Known for his pace and movement, Shami will be the wrecker in chief with the new ball in his hand.
