Amidst the absence of the injured Rishabh Pant, KS Bharat, the wicketkeeper-batsman, has struggled to secure the position as India’s preferred gloveman during the ongoing ICC World Test Championship. With Pant and backup wicketkeeper KL Rahul unavailable for the summit clash against Australia, Ishan Kishan has been added to Team India’s star-studded squad for the final.
As India and Australia prepare to renew their rivalry in the ICC World Test Championship final, Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has curated the star-studded XI for the Asian giants. Sunil Gavaskar named the in-form Shubman Gill as Rohit Sharma’s opening partner, followed by veteran Cheteshwar Pujara and run-machine Virat Kohli at the No. 3 and No. 4 positions, respectively.
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“When it comes to the batting, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill will be the opening pair. Cheteshwar Pujara will take the No. 3 spot, and Virat Kohli will be at No. 4. Ajinkya Rahane will bat at No. 5. However, there is some concern at the No. 6 position,” Sunil Gavaskar shared with Star Sports. In the debate between Bharat and Kishan for the wicketkeeper-batsman role, Gavaskar settled on the side of Bharat, considering his consistent appearances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
“I would assume No. 6 will be either Srikar Bharat or Ishan Kishan. Bharat is being talked about because he has played all the matches so far. So, we will likely stick with Bharat at six,” Gavaskar commented.
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Regarding the pace bowling attack, Sunil Gavaskar emphasized that Shardul Thakur can complement the fast bowling duo of Mohammad Shami and Mohammed Siraj in the final. “Jadeja will take the No. 7 spot. If the weather and pitch conditions are favorable, we can expect Jadeja and Ashwin at No. 7 and No. 8. Mohammad Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and possibly Shardul Thakur will occupy the No. 9, 10, and 11 positions,” Gavaskar added.
Sunil Gavaskar’s India XI for World Test Championship final:
Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, KS Bharat (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammad Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur.
