Image Courtesy- The Indian Express
Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has claimed both Indian spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja to play for the Indian team for the World Test Championship final against New Zealand. The 71-year-old feels the dry and sunny conditions at Southampton will be conducive to spin bowling.
The legendary batsman is part of the commentary team for the WTC final and is in Southampton ahead of the extravaganza. Sunil Gavaskar with his experience checked the conditions and said to PTI about India’s playing XI for the WTC final. “In Southampton, it’s been boiling hot over the last few days so the pitch will definitely be dry and help spin as the match progresses, so yes both Ashwin and Jadeja will play,” Gavaskar said.
“That (Ashwin and Jadeja together) also gives depth to the batting as well as give a fine balance to the bowling attack. For the series later (vs England) much will depend on the weather and pitch conditions,” speaking on the same platform Gavaskar added.
🗒️ #TeamIndia announce their 15-member squad for the #WTC21 Final 💪 👇 pic.twitter.com/ts9fK3j89t
— BCCI (@BCCI) June 15, 2021
There has been talks and prediction for Indian playing XI for WTC Final, many experts have suggested India play with four pacers, but it is expected, Indian management is likely to stick with Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin in playing side. As, both the veteran spinners were included in India’s 15-man squad for the WTC final on Tuesday.
Answering to question asked on lack of practice by the Indian side, in comparison to New Zealand team ahead big event. Sunil Gavaskar mentioned India’s experience of playing in England and their recent intra-squad match simulation will help the Indian team as they are aware of the condition.
“(In) today’s tours there are barely one or two practice games before the Test series begins and the Indian team has had intra-squad matches so they have had that practice. The team is a good blend of youth and experience and most of the players have been to England several times so they know the conditions and what to expect,’ Sunil Gavaskar quoted.
The much-awaited WTC final will start on June 18, where India will take on New Zealand.