In the wake of the suspension of IPL due to the ongoing covid virus in India, Virat Kohli and co will be fully concentrated on the upcoming maiden World Test Championship to be held in England soon. Three days after IPL was suspended, BCCI fast-tracked their plans into releasing the squads for the upcoming final and five-match Test series against England.
Today we take a look at the probable playing XI that can take to the field as India tries for the first World Test Championship final against a strong New Zealand side.
Rohit Sharma
Over the years Rohit Sharma has continued to prove his prowess in the longest format of the game and has provided excellent starts for Team India. Being the leading run-scorer for the hosts in the Test series against England, the Indian opener's talents will once again be depended upon the bouncy pitches of England.
Shubham Gill
The young batsmen will be expected to partner Rohit Sharma in opening the innings, although not having a great series with the bat against England It is to be reminded of his newness into the game and his excellent series in Australia where he scored 259 runs at an impressive average of 51.80. It will prove wise to continue placing our faith in him, hoping he rises to the occasion.
Cheteshwar Pujara
The mainstay and epitome of Indian Test cricket and the modern wall of India, Chesthwar Pujara has time after time continued to be the batting bedrock of India. Coming in at the No3 position, the team will once again look to the senior batsmen to stabilize their innings and score the big runs.
Virat Kohli (C)
A modern great and part of the fab four, the Indian skipper will once again land in England with a point to prove, as has not been able to score a century in over a year. With doubts over his form remaining, the team would need their captain to step up and lead with the bat which everyone knows he is capable of.
Ajinkya Rahane (Vc)
The Indian Test vice-captain has struggled for runs in recent times but is India’s leading run-scorer among the batsmen with the most runs scored in the World Test Championship tournament. With flawless technique and timing, the management is hoping he rises to the occasion to score those big runs which he is due soon.
Rishabh Pant (Wk)
The young Indian wicketkeeper captured the imagination of every Indian fan in the last four months. Bringing his explosive batting to Test cricket, Rishabh Pant has turned into a counter-attacking weapon for the Indian Test Team. Also proving his keeping abilities, Rishabh Pant will be the go-to man behind the stumps for India.
Ravindra Jadeja
Among the top 3 ICC Test all-rounders in the world, Ravindra Jadeja is equally adept in all three facets of the game. Making more than capable contributions with both bat and ball, the Indian all-rounder is arguably the best fielder on the side and can cause serious dents to the opposition with his fielding.
Ravichandran Ashwin
The Indian maestro is one of the spins great in modern times and one of the main wicket-taking bowlers. Breaching the 400-wicket mark, he is the second fastest bowler after Muttiah Muralitharan to take 400 wickets in the red-ball format of the game. Equally threatening with the bat, Ashwin will be depended on for his input.
Ishant Sharma
A consistent performer over the years, Ishant Sharma has played over 100 Test matches for Team India. Having the ability to move the ball both ways, and his height something that could be a factor in England’s bouncy pitches. The senior Indian paceman will be expected to lead the charge with the red ball.
Jasprit Bumrah
Owning a unique action, Jaspirt Bumrah possesses the ability to trouble even the most accomplished batsmen in the world on his day. Many would-be wary of underestimating the paceman's abilities in the English conditions, with the ball nipping around. He continues to be an all-important weapon in the arsenal of the Indian pace attack.
Mohammed Shami
The Indian paceman is India's most effective pacer in recent times. playing over 50 Tests, he has claimed over 180 wickets, with a whopping 85 wickets in the last 3 years alone, even after not featuring in a single Test for India in 2021. Making a return from injury and looking in good rhythm, he will raring to have a go at the kiwi batsmen.
With much of the playing XI being a sure bet for their spots in the team, India looks to finally have their fully strengthened side available for the finals. With a lot of hopes riding on these individuals, the Indian Test home will be looking forward to returning home with the trophy. Let us know your comments about who should make the playing XI.
