Harbhajan Singh leaves out Ishant Sharma from his playing XI for the WTC final

With just a week away from the year's most awaited event, many cricket experts have started predicting the playing XIs for both sides. Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has also come up with his ideal playing XI for the World Test Championship. The 40-year-old believes that the Indian management will go with Mohammed Siraj rather than senior fast bowler Ishant Sharma. Harbhajan Singh feels Ishant Sharma might miss out due to Siraj's recent brilliant form. The young pacer has the ability to move the ball both ways with his seam and swing. The 27-year-old was one of the best performers Down Under for India. He picked up 12 wickets and even led the bowling unit in Gabba in the absence of senior seamers in the squad.

Siraj deserves an opportunity due to his recent brilliant performances: Harbhajan Singh

As the former veteran off-spinner praised Ishant Sharma's contribution to India's rise to the top, he also felt that Siraj deserves an opportunity due to his recent brilliant performances. Harbhajan Singh also clarified that Ishant Sharma has years of experience under his belt. But considering the form and confidence Siraj is under at the moment makes him a must in the playing XI for the WTC final. According to Harbhajan Singh, the pace of Siraj is going to be handy to India in seam-friendly conditions, while Ishant Sharma has had a number of injuries over the last few years.

Talking about the spinners, the cold conditions in Southampton might not be too helpful for the spinners. However, the pitch is anticipated to remain solid throughout the Test match. However, Harbhajan Singh feels that at least two spinners must feature in a five-man attack, especially when Hardik Pandya is not in the team.

The Indian cricket team is scheduled to take on Kane Williamson's team in the WTC final at the Rose Bowl in Southampton on June 18. The Test series against England will take place in Nottingham, London, Leeds, and Manchester from August 4. The forthcoming ICC World Test Championship final will be Virat Kohli's first ICC trophy if he wins it. However, they will be playing against a competitive team. India has lost only once in the Championship, and that loss came against New Zealand. The Kiwis are proficient at playing in the given conditions in the UK.

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