WTC Final 2023: On Tuesday, the Indian cricket board (BCCI) announced a 15-man squad for the much-anticipated World Test Championship 2021-23 final. Rohit Sharma will lead a 15-man squad against mighty Australia in the much-awaited game, which is scheduled to be played from June 7 to 11 at the Oval in London.
Harbhajan Singh Picked His India’s Playing XI For WTC Final 2023
Meanwhile, in a recent video on his YouTube channel, former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh suggested playing XI for WTC final 2023.
While talking about the playing combination, Harbhajan felt like there are many talented names like Suryakumar Yadav who missed out on the team’s playing XI.
However, Bhajji felt like it is a good call to have Ajinkya Rahane back in the team as he can cover the absence of Shreyas Iyer at the number 5 position in the team as his experience and batting technique can help the team.
For the unversed, Ajinkya Rahane, who is hailed as one of the finest batters in the Test format, was dropped Test squad after a series of poor performances. He last played for Team India in the Cape Town Test against South Africa last year, where he made 9 and 1. However, after a long wait of more than a year, he has finally earned his place in India’s 15-man squad for the upcoming World Test Championship final against Australia in June.
Speaking about Rahane’s inclusion, Bhajji said:
“For number 6, I will play Ravindra Jadeja, since he is a left-hander and I think he will be my sole spinner for the game depending on the conditions and the weather. At 7, I will have KL Rahul over KS Bharat because he already has a ton to his name on this ground. He will have a good feeling playing here, Send a message to him to start keeping, with KL Rahul he will strengthen the batting, I mean Bharat can keep there but Rahul adds more strength to the batting. If Rahul plays you can also swap the positions between Jadeja and KL Rahul.”
Further, Harbhajan Singh mentioned that India should go with three seamers, while adding that only one should play among Shardul Thakur or Ravi Ashwin, depending on the conditions. Harbhajan also opined that Mohammed Siraj will play a huge part in the game considering his recent form. He said:
“Between Shardul Thakur and Ravichandran Ashwin, only one will play depending on the conditions, if the pitch is dry Ashwin can play but right now I have Shardul Thakur in there with both players able to chip in with the bat. At 9 I have Mohammed Shami alongside Mohammed Siraj at number 10. I have a lot hopes for the Siraj, he is the number 1 bowler in the world. The way he is bowling I don’t think there is anyone else in the world doing this If his balls fall on the right zone alongside Shami’s rhythm it will be a great plus. Then Umesh Yadav plays as the last man.”
“This is a one off game so India will have to put their best foot forward, I mean the conditions will play a important role, if they have a dry conditions then we could see two spinners. Otherwise, three seamers plus Shardul and Jadeja will be my choice, KL Rahul should play over KS Bharat because he adds more strength to the squad with his batting.”
Harbhajan Singh’s Playing XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul (wk), Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav
