The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a 15-member squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against New Zealand, starting 18 June at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton. They have named six batters, five seamers, and two spinners along with two ’keepers in the roster.
Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma are the only regular opening batters in team India’s final squad, while Rishabh Pant and Wriddhiman Saha are the keeping options. Saha, who last played in India's series opener against Australia last December at the Adelaide, will be Pant’s backup.
Meanwhile, India’s five seamers are Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj and Umesh Yadav. BCCI has prefered Umesh over Shardul Thakur despite the latter had a remarkable Australia tour last summer.
India found their two spin-bowling options in R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. They are genuine all-rounders as well. Washington Sundar and Axar Patel, who performed impressively against Australia and England Test-series respectively, have been left out.
Hanuma Vihari, India’s batting specialist in overseas conditions, has made the cut, but there is no room for Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul to the final roster.
India WTC Final Squad: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane (vc), Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (wk), Wriddhiman Saha (wk), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Mohammad Shami, Umesh Yadav, and Mohammad Siraj