Renowned former Australian cricketer Tom Moody has unveiled his highly-anticipated India XI for the much-awaited ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final. With a balanced squad that caught the attention of fans worldwide, Moody made the bold decision to exclude the experienced Ravichandran Ashwin and the promising Ishan Kishan, favoring the inclusion of Shardul Thakur and KS Bharat.
According to Moody’s tactical analysis, skipper Rohit Sharma, accompanied by the talented Shubman Gill, will spearhead India’s innings against Australia in the thrilling WTC Final set to take place at the historic Oval in England from the 7th to the 11th of June. The former Australian cricketer placed his trust in Cheteshwar Pujara at No.3 and the formidable Virat Kohli at No.4 to fortify India’s batting lineup.
Moody’s backing of the resilient Ajinkya Rahane as the team’s No.5, labeling him the “comeback man,” showcases his belief in Rahane’s ability to rise to the occasion. The hotly debated keeper’s slot saw Moody opt for KS Bharat over Ishan Kishan, citing Bharat’s prowess as a proficient Test match wicketkeeper and his impressive performances against Australia on home soil. Completing the middle order at No.7 is the dynamic all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, whose multifaceted skills add depth to the team.
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In a surprising move, Moody excluded Ravichandran Ashwin due to the prevailing conditions and instead included the versatile Shardul Thakur in his final XI. The pace battery consists of the seasoned Mohammed Shami, the emerging Mohammed Siraj, and the ever-reliable Umesh Yadav, forming a formidable trio capable of challenging Australia’s batting line-up.
Tom Moody’s India playing 11 for the ICC WTC Final comprises: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, KS Bharat (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav.
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Further explaining his decision, Moody shed light on his preference for KS Bharat over Ishan Kishan, emphasizing Bharat’s experience and suitability for the Test format. He highlighted the challenges Kishan might face in adjusting to the middle order, noting that he primarily opens in limited-overs cricket. Moody acknowledged Kishan’s potential but believed Bharat’s skills as a batsman and wicketkeeper made him the optimal choice for this crucial match.
As the Indian team diligently prepares at the Arundel Castle Cricket Club in Sussex, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With their last ICC Trophy victory dating back to 2013, this momentous WTC Final presents a golden opportunity for India to end their long-awaited triumph and etch their name in cricketing history once again. The stage is set for a riveting clash of titans, and fans worldwide eagerly await the final showdown.