India captain Rohit Sharma shared that the team management has decided to provide some Duke balls to its fast bowlers so that they can practice during the Indian Premier League (IPL) and prepare for the World Test Championship final (WTC). However, soon after the three-match ODI against Australia ends next week, the players will join their respective franchises for the IPL, starting on March 31 as well. On the other hand, the WTC final will be played in June.

“I believe in preparation and it is going to be the key for us ahead of the final. Around May 21st, there will be six teams who would possibly be out of the IPL. So, whichever players are available, we will try and find some time to see if they can reach the UK as early as possible and get some time there. We will monitor what happens after that,” Rohit sharma said on Monday.

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Last time too India featured in the WTC final – against New Zealand in 2021 where they lost to the Kane Williamson-led side. This time around, the Indian team wants to win.

“It’s quite critical for us. We will be in constant touch with our players, who are going to be part of the WTC final and monitor their workload. In fact, we are sending some Duke balls to all the fast bowlers as well, if they get some time to bowl with that. But again, it all depends on the individuals, and it’s not that the guys who are going to be part of the WTC finals are not the guys who have not played in the UK,” Rohit said. “Maybe, one or two guys are there, but the rest all have played in that part of the world. I don’t think it’s going to be a huge problem…”

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Despite the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy finishing in a draw, India reached the WTC final following New Zealand’s thrilling win against Sri Lanka in Christchurch.