Former star Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has come up with his predicted playing XI of India for the upcoming highly anticipated World Test Championship 2023 final against Australia. Notably, both teams will lock horns in this title clash for the WTC 2021-2023 cycle at The Oval in London on the 7th of June, Wednesday.
Here’s a look at the India playing XI picked by Harbhajan Singh:
Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma (C), Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Ravindra Jadeja, K.S. Bharat (WK), Shardul Thakur/Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Umesh Yadav.
Harbhajan Singh's WTC Final XI for India. pic.twitter.com/gNPr1bDbMN
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 5, 2023
Although a section of Indian cricket fans took it as an opportunity to take a dig at Harbhajan Singh for his team selection and also came up with some amazing reactions on the micro-blogging site Twitter. Fans also questioned Harbhajan for being confused while picking one guy from Shardul Thakur and Ravichandran Ashwin.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Ks Bharat to waise bhi batsman hai ni ..to mtlab 5 batsman se hi wtc jeetne ka sapna dkh rahe hai experrs
— dr ankit jain (@drankitjain6) June 5, 2023
Play Ashwin & Shardul both. They both have match winning ability with bat & bowl, gives a much needed depth
— Rishabh Shah 🇮🇳🇮🇳 (@rishlee) June 5, 2023
S. Thakur is better option than Ashwin in England. Considering pitch doesn't turn much and also Ash's record in England.
— 92:48 (@anti_neutrin0) June 5, 2023
Would you go two spinners or four pacer was the major talking point. But he didnt address that. Bhai ye team to sab bana rahe what's new bhajji
— Archer (@poserarcher) June 5, 2023
If pitch is dry - Ashiwin, if not then Thakur.
— Vipin Tiwari (@vipintiwari952) June 5, 2023
If Ashwin plays - Replace U Yadav >< Thakur
Jitne bhi experts team bana rahe hain, sabki team se ek ek baar match kara do Australia se. Koi naa koi to final le aayegi 💙
— Bhupender Thakur (@MisterBeeTee) June 5, 2023
Patel deserves
— Ragnar (@Cricrandom) June 5, 2023
He gave option between thakur and ashwin so according to him no spinner is required 🤡
— TheSpecter (@HarveySpecter_x) June 5, 2023
Axar in place of ash/shardul
— Cheeku (@chikuone8) June 5, 2023
Bowlers to sabi bekar hain ..batsmen bhi Kohli ke alwa koi max struggle karenge
— shaan.port (@PortShaan) June 5, 2023
How is it final 11 when he used '/'
— Rishabh (@Rishabh_1815) June 5, 2023
Meanwhile, Australia have gone through an injury concern just ahead of the commencement of the WTC 2023 final against India. The senior pacer Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of this all-important clash for the Aussies. The pace-bowling all-rounder Michael Neser has been picked by the management as Hazlewood’s replacement for the final against India.
Here’s a look at the squads of both India and Australia for the World Test Championship 2023 final:
Australia
Pat Cummins (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Michael Neser, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Josh Inglis, Todd Murphy, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner.
Standby - Mitch Marsh, Matt Renshaw
India
Rohit Sharma (captain), Ravichandran Ashwin, KS Bharat, Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Virat Kohli, Ishan Kishan, Cheteshwar Pujara, Axar Patel, Ajinkya Rahane, Mohammad Shami, Mohammad Siraj, Shardul Thakur, Jaydev Unadakt, Umesh Yadav.
Standby: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mukesh Kumar, Suryakumar Yadav