Harbhajan Singh expressed his lack of surprise over R Ashwin’s exclusion from India’s playing XI in the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia at the Kennington Oval in London. Considering the conditions, Harbhajan believed it was unlikely for India to play both Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. He also praised India’s strong batting lineup, stating that their top six batsmen could pose a significant challenge for the Australians.

“I am not exactly surprised looking at these conditions. Either you play R Ashwin or Ravindra Jadeja. Unfortunately, R Ashwin misses out from this team. Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara, and the top five and six look very, very good,” Harbhajan Singh commented during an interview with Star Sports.

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Although Ishan Kishan was selected as a replacement for KL Rahul, he did not find a place in the final XI. Instead, KS Bharat was chosen as the wicketkeeper. Harbhajan also expressed his satisfaction with India’s decision to field four seamers, namely Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, and Umesh Yadav.

“We were thinking Ishan Kishan might get a nod ahead of Bharat, but that didn’t happen. But it’s good to see India playing with four seamers,” he added.

On the other hand, the Australian team opted for three specialist pacers – Scott Boland, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins – along with the all-rounder option of Cameron Green.

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Nathan Lyon was their sole specialist spin bowler, accompanied by Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, and Travis Head, who could contribute with their part-time bowling. Australia finished at the top of the WTC table, but India holds the No.1 ranking in Tests following their 2-1 series victory over Australia earlier this year.