The cricketing world is abuzz with excitement as the highly anticipated World Test Championship (WTC) Final is set to take place between India and Australia at The Oval in London, England from 7th June 2023. Both teams have announced their respective 15-member squads for the final showdown, but the team combinations for this one-off Test are still a matter of intense debate and discussion.
In a recent development, it has been reported that Ishan Kishan, the left-handed batter, has been included in India’s squad for the WTC Final following KL Rahul’s injury during the IPL 2023 season. Kishan had also been a part of the squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023 but did not get an opportunity to represent Team India.
Let’s take a look at the First-Class stats of Ishan Kishan and Srikar Bharat to understand the basis for this decision:
Ishan Kishan Stats
| Matches | 48 |
| Innings | 82 |
| Runs | 2985 |
| Highest Score | 273 |
| Average | 38.76 |
| Strike Rate | 68.90 |
| Hundreds | 6 |
| Fifties | 16 |
Srikar Bharat Stats
| Matches | 90 |
| Innings | 141 |
| Runs | 4808 |
| Highest Score | 308 |
| Average | 37.27 |
| Strike Rate | 59.79 |
| Hundreds | 9 |
| Fifties | 27 |
According to sources, the latest reports suggest that Ishan Kishan may be preferred over Srikar Bharat in the WTC Final. Kishan is known for his aggressive batting style, which allows him to take on bowlers with confidence. His inclusion in the playing XI would provide a valuable attacking dimension to India’s batting lineup.
Furthermore, The Oval is known to be a venue where the ball does not spin much. In such conditions, Kishan’s ability to handle the Australian bowlers and his adeptness in dealing with pace and bounce make him a suitable candidate for the match. Additionally, Kishan’s proficiency behind the stumps adds to his utility in the team.
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On the other hand, Srikar Bharat featured in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and had a rather underwhelming performance, registering a few low scores in the series. His vulnerability on the off side has been noted, and it is believed that the Australian bowlers would exploit this weakness if Bharat were to be given a chance in the playing XI for the WTC Final.
Considering these factors, it is understandable why Team India is keen on including Ishan Kishan in the mix for the WTC Final. His aggressive approach, ability to handle the Australian bowlers, and proficiency as a wicketkeeper make him a valuable asset for the team.
However, it is important to note that these reports are based on sources, and the final decision regarding the team combination will be made by the team management and the captain. As fans eagerly await the start of the WTC Final, all eyes will be on the team announcement to see if Ishan Kishan indeed gets the to bat ahead of Srikar Bharat in the playing XI.