Ahead of the World Test Championship final, former India selector Sarandeep Singh has expressed confidence in India’s batting and bowling lineup. Singling out players like Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli, who showcased outstanding performances in the recently concluded IPL 2023, Singh believes the Indian team is well-equipped for success.

The former selector suggests a change in the playing XI, advocating for the inclusion of Umesh Yadav instead of Shardul Thakur in the final. Citing Yadav’s extra pace and ability to generate reverse swing with the old ball, Singh believes the Oval track will favor Yadav’s skills, making him an asset for the team.

“I am picking Umesh ahead of Shardul because he has that extra pace and he can reverse the old ball, he can be very helpful on that Oval track,” said Singh.

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Former Indian selector expressed confidence in India’s batting lineup, stating that all the batters are in good form heading into the one-off game. While acknowledging the challenges posed by the English conditions and the formidable Australian bowling attack, Singh believes India’s world-class batting unit, led by the in-form Shubman Gill, is well-equipped to deliver a strong performance.

Singh also recommended playing KS Bharat instead of Ishan Kishan in the WTC final, emphasizing Bharat’s experience as a proper Test match wicketkeeper. Singh highlighted Bharat’s superb keeping skills demonstrated during the series against Australia at home and believes he deserves the opportunity. Regarding Kishan, Singh stated that while he is an opener and a promising talent for the future, Bharat’s proficiency in the middle order and ability to play shots make him a suitable choice for the Test match.

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“KS Bharat for sure. He is a proper Test match wicketkeeper, and we saw that against Australia at home, he kept superbly. He has been around for a while, and he should get the opportunity. Ishan is an opener. I am not saying he is not capable of playing Tests. He is one for the future but he opens in limited-overs cricket. Things will be different at number six. Yes, he goes hard from ball one, which can be counterproductive in England, but Bharat can also bat well and play shots also,” reasoned former selector.