The stage is set for an epic clash as India prepares to take on Australia in the highly anticipated ICC World Test Championship final at The Oval. While India enters the match as the slight favorite due to its impressive record and top ranking, the team is not burdened by the weight of past ICC tournament expectations, according to coach Rahul Dravid.
India’s journey to the final has been remarkable, marked by an unfortunate defeat to New Zealand in 2021. However, the team has rallied and regained its position to face Australia on neutral territory. Having triumphed in their previous four test series against Australia, including two wins on Australian soil, India certainly holds an advantageous position as they enter the final battle of the World Test Championship.
Yet, when it comes to global tournaments, India’s recent record hasn’t matched their aspirations. Despite their financial influence and dominance in the Twenty20 franchise game, India has been without a global trophy for a decade, since their victory in the 2013 Champions Trophy under the leadership of Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Multiple Champions Trophies, Cricket World Cups, T20 World Cups, and even the previous edition of the World Test Championship have come and gone without India clinching the coveted title.
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However, coach Rahul Dravid dismisses any notion that this record has become a burden for India. He confidently asserts, “We don’t feel any pressure in terms of trying to win an ICC trophy. Of course, it would be nice to do it. It would be nice to get them on the right side of the result.”
While India possesses an abundance of self-belief, it is their batting performance that has often faltered during crucial moments in global tournaments. The team is filled with individuals eager to express themselves and take risks, but Virat Kohli has frequently lacked consistent support from other senior batters.
The key questions surrounding the lineup do not revolve around the batting department. Instead, they focus on the selection of a second spinner, choosing between Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel to support the hero of the Indian Premier League final, Ravindra Jadeja. Another dilemma arises in deciding whether KS Bharat or Ishan Kishan will take up the wicketkeeping duties while Rishabh Pant continues his recovery from a car crash in December. Bharat appears to have the edge after featuring in the victorious home series against Australia in February-March.
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As for the Ashwin or Patel debate, both players showcased their skills during the series against Australia, with Ashwin and Jadeja being the standout performers. If the selectors opt for four seamers, Shardul Thakur, Umesh Yadav, and the promising Jaydev Unadkat come into consideration.
India faced difficulties in the 2021 final by playing three seamers, even after rain interrupted the first day. However, this time around, there is no rain forecast, with London enjoying dry weather for the past three weeks. The pitch at The Oval promises to be dry and conducive to bounce, with the mystery of whether it will deteriorate as the match progresses. Notably, The Oval has never hosted a test match in June throughout its 143-year history.
While the crowd at The Oval will undeniably resemble the atmosphere of Mumbai rather than Melbourne, Australia finds confidence in the fact that the test is not being held in India. As both teams gear up for this thrilling encounter, India’s focus remains on delivering a top-notch performance rather than succumbing to the pressure of winning ICC trophies.