WTC Final: Here is India’s expected playing XI for the mega clash
On 18th June 2021, India and New Zealand will take the field in Southampton with the sole aim of emerging as the champions of the inaugural World Test Championship. Needless to say, India will be looking to put forth their best playing XI out on the field. In this article, let us take a look at the 11 players whom India should field in the summit clash against the Kiwis.
Openers: Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma
Shubman Gill showed the world his capability in Australia when he scored 259 runs in his debut series against the kangaroos at an average of 51.80. Gill is an attacking batsman who can put pressure on the opposition. Rohit Sharma should partner Gill at the top of the order. Sharma has experienced an excellent run in 2021 in Tests and has scored 474 runs at an average of close to 50.
Middle Order: Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane
The Indian middle-order will consist of Cheteshwar Pujara, skipper Virat Kohli and vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane. Each of these three gladiators has proved their worth for India in the whites and there is no need to justify their places in the side.
Wicketkeeper: Rishabh Pant
Without a doubt, Rishabh Pant should bag the wicketkeeper’s slot. Pant has been in rollicking form in 2021 in Test match cricket. He has already scored 515 runs this year at an average in excess of 60 and a healthy strike rate of 76.52.
All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin
The two all-rounders who will take the field are Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin. Ashwin is a legend of the game and has picked up a staggering 409 wickets already in Test cricket. Ravindra Jadeja will be the other all-rounder. Jadeja has scalped 220 wickets in the whites for India. Both Ashwin and Jadeja are also handy with the bat as well and can score vital runs when the need arises.
Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami
Jasprit Bumrah is the X-factor of the Indian bowling attack. With his unconventional action, he will trouble the Kiwi willow wielders. Ishant Sharma is a veteran of 101 Test matches, and his experience will surely come in handy for Virat Kohli and his men. And, the final spot in the Indian side should be filled by Mohammed Shami. Shami can get the ball to move and he can also extract bounce off the deck. He has picked up 180 wickets in his Test career at an average of 27.58.
