With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy done and dusted, all the focus has now shifted to the upcoming 2023 edition of the Indian Premier League and World Test Championship Final.
As the WTC 2023 Final is just a week after IPL 2023, the Indian players will prepare simultaneously for both marquee events.
On the sidelines of the IPL 2023, Team India pacers Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, and others will also hone their red ball techniques. The BCCI will provide for Dukes balls for the pacers to practice within the nets because the three and Shardul Thakur are anticipated to be selected for the World Test Championship Final.
Rohit Sharma Revealed BCCI’s Master Plan
The same was confirmed by Rohit Sharma after the conclusion of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Rohit hinted that the Indian team pacers will prepare for the red-ball match over the next couple of months during the IPL 2023.
According to Rohit, the team management and BCCI have developed a particular strategy to keep the bowlers prepared for the summit match because of the constrained schedules. During IPL practise, players like Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur, and Umesh Yadav would be given the Dukes Ball, which is used in England.
Speaking after the IND vs AUS 4th Test, Rohit Sharma said, “We will monitor the workload and bowlers will be given duke balls during IPL for practice ahead of WTC final. By May 21st, 6 teams Will be out of IPL so we will try to get those players early to UK.”
In England, Tests are played with Dube Balls unlike the SG Tests in India and the Kookaburra in Australia. However, how much time Shami, Siraj, and Umesh can get from their traveling, matches, and busy schedule is still to be seen. Rohit said:
“Guys, who will be part of finals are not the guys who have not played in UK. May be there could be one or two guys here and there and rest all of us have played in that part of the world. I don’t think it will be huge problem. Look, I believe that preparations will be key for us, come the finals,”
