India Squad WTC Final: BCCI asks Ajinkya Rahane to prepare for the Ultimate Test, Is this a Warning for Out-of-form Suryakumar Yadav?
India Squad WTC Final: India is set to face Australia in the final of the World Test Championship 2023. The WTC final takes place in June. The Test match will take place from June 7 to 11 at Kennington Oval Stadium in London, UK. Australia and India qualified for the WTC final after finishing in the top two spots in the World Test Championship points table.
India and Australia aim to clinch their maiden WTC title by winning the WTC final in 2023. Both teams will send a strong squad for the epic encounter. In this article, we take a glance at India’s probable squad for the WTC final and the recent developments BCCI has made.
Suryakumar Yadav’s form, a concern for the Apex Board
Time is running out for Suryakumar Yadav to retain his Test spot. With a massive slump in form, the dasher is in danger of missing out on a spot in the WTC Final 2023. While KL Rahul is set to keep his spot in the middle, India need a backup middle-order batter in absence of Shreyas Iyer. Even though SKY was the favourite, his slump in form and relative inexperience in playing Test in England could give Hanuma Vihari a new lifeline.
Suryakumar Yadav has been out for 4 golden ducks in his last six innings. His highest score in those last 6 innings has been 15. After three ducks in the ODI series against Australia, SKY has extended his wretched run in IPL 2023 as well, scoring 15, 1 and 0 in three innings.
“Yes, Surya’s form a concern. But he has time to pull through. If he manages to come out on top, he still has a place. Both Shubman and KL are important members of the Test team and barring any injuries should pick themselves automatically,” a official told a reputed media house.
BCCI asks Ajinkya Rahane practice with Red-Ball, ex-captain set for Test RECALL
Ajinkya Rahane is all set to make a comeback to India Cricket Team after a long 18-month absence. Dropped from the BCCI Central contract and Test team, the former vice-captain has been asked to begin practice with red-ball. With Shreyas Iyer out injured and Hanuma Vihari & Suryakumar Yadav out of form, selectors want Rahane to be ready as a backup for WTC Final 2023 against Australia in the Oval. During IPL 2023, Rahane and others will have regular red-ball practice as per PTI.
“Still, a long way to go WTC final. Today, I was not sure about my place in the eleven and got to know just before the toss. For me, it is about playing one game at a time and staying in the moment. Anything can happen. I will never give up. For me it is about playing with enjoyment and passion,” Ajinkya Rahane said after smashing a half-century on Chennai Super Kings debut.
India Squad WTC Final: Cheteshwar Pujara to take up the deputy leader’s role
Cheteshwar Pujara is set to become the permanent vice-captain of the Test team. In the last WTC Final, it was Jasprit Bumrah who was India’s vice-captain and eventually led India with Rohit Sharma missing out due to Covid-19. This time, with no Bumrah or Rishabh Pant around, Pujara will be the designated deputy. Pujara is currently preparing for WTC Final with a stint in County Championship for Sussex away from IPL 2023.
Notably, the squad selection meeting will take place the end of April with the submission date set on May 7, a month before the WTC Final. However, both India and Australia will have time till May 22 to make changes to the squad.
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