Ishan Kishan has been named as the replacement for the injured KL Rahul in India’s squad for the World Test Championship final against Australia, to be played at The Oval from June 7-11. The All-India Senior Selection Committee has also named Suryakumar Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, and Ruturaj Gaikwad as the standby players for squad.
Rahul was expected to keep wicket and bat in the middle order. Kishan is also a wicketkeeper-batter and offers the team a valuable left-hand batting option as well. “KL Rahul suffered an injury to his right upper thigh while fielding during Match 43rd of TATA IPL 2023 between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore on 1st May,” said a BCCI release. “After consultations with specialists, it has been decided that Rahul will undergo surgery at the earliest followed by rehab at the National Cricket Academy for the same. He is ruled out of the upcoming ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia.”
Though both Jaydev Unadkat and Umesh Yadav have been named in the squad, concerns remain over their participation after both picked up injuries during the ongoing IPL. “Jaydev Unadkat sustained a left shoulder injury by tripping over the side rope while bowling in the nets,” said the BCCI statement. “A specialist consultation has been sought and the left-arm fast bowler is currently at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru undergoing strength and rehab sessions for his shoulder. A decision on his participation in the WTC final will be taken at a later stage.”
The outlook was slightly more optimistic with Umesh. “Umesh Yadav sustained a minor left hamstring injury during Match 36 of TATA IPL 2023 between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on 26 April,” said the release. “The fast bowler is currently under the care of the KKR Medical Team and has started low-intensity bowling as part of his rehab process. The BCCI Medical Team is in regular touch with KKR Medical Team and is closely monitoring Umesh’s progress.”
Rohit Sharma will lead the 15-member squad, 14 of whom have played at least some part in the IPL. Cheteshwar Pujara, in sublime form for Sussex in Division 2 of the English County Championship, is the lone exception.
India’s squad for WTC final: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, KS Bharat (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, Ishan Kishan (WK).
Standby players: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Mukesh Kumar, Suryakumar Yadav.