WTC final update!! The much-anticipated World Test Championship (WTC) final is just around the corner, and cricket enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the clash between India and their opponents. However, the announcement of India’s squad for the final has raised a few eyebrows, as it includes three players whose selections have sparked debates among fans and experts alike.
Let’s take a closer look at these players and the reasons behind their inclusion in the Indian side!!
Three Players Who Spark Controversy in India’s WTC Final Squad Selection
KL Rahul
One of the most controversial inclusions in India’s WTC final squad is KL Rahul. The talented opener was once a regular member of the Test team but was displaced by the promising Shubman Gill. Rahul’s recent performances in the IND vs AUS Test series were lackluster, leading to his omission from the squad for the subsequent matches. With just 38 runs in two Tests this year and 137 runs in four games last year, questions arise regarding Rahul’s selection over other deserving candidates who have showcased better form.
Jaydev Unadkat
The selection of left-arm seamer Jaydev Unadkat has also raised eyebrows among cricket pundits. Unadkat made his Test comeback after a decade during the Bangladesh series in December 2022 but managed to claim only three wickets in one Test match. Although he was picked for the IND vs AUS Test squad, he did not get an opportunity to play. The main concern surrounding Unadkat’s inclusion is his lack of participation in the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23, having played only two Tests in his career and lacking crucial Test match experience.
Ajinkya Rahane
A surprising inclusion in India’s WTC final squad is Ajinkya Rahane, the former Test vice-captain. Rahane’s recent performances have been far from impressive (not considering IPL, a T20 white-ball tournament), leading to his omission from the Test team after India’s tour of South Africa in 2022. With a mere 68 runs in four Tests during that series and an average of 20.82 across 13 Tests in 2021, Rahane’s poor batting performances in the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 have left fans and experts questioning his place in the final squad.
Three Deserving Players Who Missed Out on India’s Squad
Kuldeep Yadav:
Left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav showcased an exceptional performance during the away Test match against Bangladesh in December 2022. In that game, he claimed an impressive eight wickets, including a five-wicket haul in one inning, earning him the well-deserved Man of the Match award. Although Yadav did not get a chance to play in the IND vs AUS Test series, his recent form and remarkable bowling skills made him a strong contender for the WTC final squad.
Hanuma Vihari:
While Hanuma Vihari struggled to score runs in his recent Test matches, his overall performance in the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 cycle deserves recognition. With 215 runs in seven innings at an average of 35.83, Vihari showcased his ability to contribute to the team’s batting line-up. Additionally, his overseas records are impressive, accumulating 705 runs in 13 Tests at an average of 33.57, including a century and four half-centuries. Vihari’s strong performance in away Test matches made him a viable candidate, especially considering the WTC final’s foreign conditions.
Mayank Agarwal:
Mayank Agarwal’s absence from Test cricket in 2022 resulted from KL Rahul’s takeover of the opening slot. Shubman Gill later replaced Rahul in the recent IND vs AUS Test series, further limiting Agarwal’s opportunities. However, Agarwal’s performances in the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 were noteworthy. In seven Tests, he scored 436 runs at an average of 33.53, including a century and two half-centuries. Agarwal also excelled in the Ranji Trophy 2022-23, emerging as the top run-scorer with 990 runs in nine matches for Karnataka. Despite these achievements, Agarwal’s consistent performances were overlooked, denying him a spot in the WTC final squad.
