On Tuesday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the 15-player lineup for the Indian team’s match against Australia in the ICC World Test Championship final. The match is scheduled to take place from June 7th to 11th at the Oval, with June 12th serving as a backup day.
The squad includes Ajinkya Rahane, the former Test vice-captain, who was selected based on his impressive performances in domestic cricket and the ongoing IPL 2023 season with the CSK team. However, Harbhajan Singh, a former star player, has made a significant statement about the team.
Harbhajan Singh has suggested that KL Rahul, who was not part of India’s playing lineup in the final two Tests against Australia last month, should bat at No. 7 and take up the role of India’s wicketkeeper-batsman in the WTC Final.
The former player believes that Rahul’s previous century at the Oval will boost his confidence and make him a better fit for the role than KS Bharat. According to Singh, having Rahul in the team would strengthen India’s batting lineup. He also suggests that if Rahul plays, India could consider swapping the positions between him and Jadeja.
Harbhajan Singh has revealed his preferred playing XI for the WTC Final, starting with captain Rohit Sharma and young opener Shubman Gill at the top of the order. Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli, India’s reliable No. 3 and 4 batters in Test cricket, follow them.
Ajinkya Rahane, who is making a comeback, takes the No. 5 spot, while Ravindra Jadeja, the current top-ranked ICC Test all-rounder, is placed at No. 6. KL Rahul is positioned at No. 7. The lower order comprises Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Umesh Yadav. Despite their excellent form with both bat and ball in Test matches, Harbhajan has excluded Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel from his preferred eleven.