India will face New Zealand in the inaugural WTC final in Southampton from June 18 to June 22. Here, we look at the probable playing XI that India will go with for this game.
Rohit Sharma has been putting in consistent performances over the last two years and will start as the opener against New Zealand.
Though he had a lean IPL, Shubman Gill performed admirably against Australia and should hold his place as the second opener.
Cheteshwar Pujara is the rock that India build their innings around and will be the number 3 for the WTC final.
Virat Kohli has not been at his best for some time now in the longest format. He will be looking to break this run of low scores and lead India to victory in the all-important final.
Though Ajinkya Rahane is the vice-captain, his inconsistent performances always mark a question on his place in the side. However, he has the backing of his captain and should retain his place in the side.
With the bat, Rishabh Pant has started winning matches on his own for India. His glove work has also improved drastically, making him the only choice for the wicket keeper’s spot for the WTC final.
Ravindra Jadeja’s batting has improved significantly. He is also a lethal spinner and one of the best fielders in the world, which means Hanuma Vihari will have to sit out the WTC final.
With Ravichandran Jadeja in the XI and the batting depth provided by Ashwin, India will include both of them to have a potent five-man attack for the final.
Mohammad Siraj has performed admirably, but India will likely back their senior pacers. So Shami will come back to the side, and Siraj will have to be the one to make way for him.
Ishant Sharma is a test specialist for team India and one of the most improved bowlers in the world in the last few years. He will lead the Indian pace attack in the WTC final.
Jasprit Bumrah is the one who makes things happen. He is Kohli’s most lethal weapon in tests and will assist Shami and Ishant in the pace bowling department.
