As the countdown to the World Test Championship final begins, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the squad that will represent the country against Australia in the summit clash to be held on June 7, 2023, in London.
The Indian team will be led by the experienced opener Rohit Sharma, who will be supported by young talent such as Shubman Gill, KS Bharat, and Jaydev Unadkat. After their historic triumph against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy earlier this year, India will be looking to carry forward their momentum and clinch another victory against the formidable Aussies.
One of the most noteworthy inclusions in the squad is Ajinkya Rahane, whose presence is expected to lend much-needed depth and stability to the middle order. With his proven track record and immense experience, the 34-year-old will be a crucial asset for the Indian team in their quest for glory in the WTC final.
Rahane has produced a series of sensational performances in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 and the recently concluded Ranji Trophy season.
He has been in blistering form while representing the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, having amassed an impressive tally of 209 runs in just five matches.
Moreover, the right-handed batsman was in sublime touch for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy 2022-23 season, amassing a staggering 634 runs in seven matches, including two centuries, one of which was a double hundred. It was only a matter of time before he was included in the India squad for the WTC final.
With the absence of Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant, Rahane’s presence will be crucial in strengthening India’s middle order, along with KL Rahul. It remains to be seen whether the prolific batsman can replicate his domestic success into international glory on the biggest stage against the mighty Australians.
The squad comprises some of the country’s finest players, including Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, KL Rahul, and KS Bharat as the wicketkeeper.
The spin department will be manned by the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel, while the pace attack will be led by Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, and Shardul Thakur. Jaydev Unadkat is the other pace-bowling option in the squad.
It is a well-rounded team that has the potential to deliver a dominant performance in the WTC final, with the inclusion of Rahane providing a significant boost to the Indian middle order. All eyes will be on the team as they aim to emerge victorious in what promises to be an enthralling contest against their Australian counterparts.
BCCI announces Team India squad for ICC World Test Championship 2023 Final
Ajinkya Rahane makes a comeback to the Test squad, picked for ICC WTC 2023 Final
(Photo source: BCCI) pic.twitter.com/fSqvymgNS4
— ANI (@ANI) April 25, 2023
