Former India cricketers Mohammad Kaif and Harbhajan Singh named their combination for the Indian team for the upcoming ICC WTC 2023 final against Australia which will be played at the Oval from June 7-11.
Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh said that he would prefer playing KS Bharat over Ishan Kishan for the WTC 2023 Final as he has been a more consistent performer off late with the bat.
"No, I don't think he (Kishan) should be in the starting 11 because KS Bharat has been playing consistently for some time. If it was Wriddhiman Saha, then I would consider playing him because he has more experience and is a better keeper. If KL Rahul was fit, I would have played him instead, at number 5 or 6, because he is a proper opener and he could keep as well," Harbhajan said on Star Sports.
Harbhajan also gave his opinion on what bowling combination India should pick for the ultimate Test.
"This all depends on what the pitch is saying, if the pitch has lesser grass and the sun is out, then play with two spinners. If that is not the case then play three seamers and Ravindra Jadeja, along with Shardul Thakur who will not only bowl but contribute with the bat as well,” he said.
On the other hand, Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma are the starting eleven by Mohammed Kaif, who also included Ishan Kishan in a batting role to give attacking shots at number six.
"For the World Test Championship, the openers should be Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma, followed by Pujara who plays at number three and has experience there. At number four would be Virat Kohli followed by Rahane who makes his return to the team. I would play Ishan Kishan over KS Bharat because you would want someone to play attacking shots at number six because the ball is old and Rishabh Pant used to play that role,” Kaif told Star Sports.
Greg Chappell offers advice for Australian bowlers to tackle Shubman Gill in WTC final
"At seven, I will play Jadeja and at eight I would either play Ashwin or Shardul, depending on the pitch conditions, and if the pitch suits spin then Ashwin can target the left-handed batsmen like Warner, Travis Head, and Khawaja, so it will be a good match up.
I would take fast bowlers, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj followed by Umesh Yadav at number 11. This would be my preferred playing 11 because it's early June, and you will need three fast bowlers plus Jadeja and Ashwin or Shardul, depending on the forecast," Kaif concluded.
(ANI inputs)
