With the abrupt indefinite suspension of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, the Indian fans will be waiting for the World Test Championship Final against New Zealand, to be played at Southampton from 18th June onwards. It has been learned that the Indian selectors will be expected to pick a jumbo squad comprising no less than four openers, as many middle-order batters, two to three wicketkeepers, around nine pacers, and five spinners.

All squad members are expected to leave early to get themselves acclimatize with the English conditions. Meanwhile, with BCCI planning to send a huge squad, they will also be planning intra-squad matches to compensate for no warm-ups. The squad announcement is expected to be done in the next couple of days as the Chetan Sharma-led committee is expected to retain all members who were selected for the Test series at home against England.

ALSO READ: Shikhar Dhawan Gets Covid-19 Vaccine, Urges People To Do The Same

The crucial question remains around the inclusion of Hardik Pandya. Given Prithvi Shaw’s recent form, he can be expected to be selected as one of the openers, who are already in abundance (Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, and Shubman Gill), which weakens the case for the youngster The only surprise pick might come in the form of Prasidh Krishna, who proved his worth during the ODI series against England. Other pacers include familiar options: Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, while Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur are also expected to retain their spots. 

Both Shami and Umesh weren’t part of the squad for the England series due to injuries they suffered in Australia, but having regained fitness should mean their inclusion. In addition to the two fast bowlers, India must be pleased with fit-again Ravindra Jadeja, who has been missing from the Indian squad for quite some time now. 

 Meanwhile, Hanuma Vihari ranks in contention increasingly as he is playing for Warwickshire in the County Championship. The spin twins, Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel will be expected to retain their places, whereas Washington Sundar will also be expected to get back to the squad. The middle-order will wear the set look with Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Ajinkya Rahane being in alongside Rishabh Pant. Wriddhiman Saha and KS Bharat can be expected to be included as the backup wicketkeepers.

ALSO READ: Yuzvendra Chahal’s Wife Dhanashree Verma Shares A Special Note

Meanwhile, New Zealand has already announced their squad for the final clash: Kane Williamson (c), Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Tom Blundell, Ross Taylor, BJ Watling (wk), Tom Latham, Daryll Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Colin de Grandhomme, Neil Wagner, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Mitchell Santner, Ajaz Patel, Doug Bracewell, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Will Young