MSK Prasad, the former selection committee chairman for the men’s team, hoped that the team management would not repeat the mistakes made during the last World Test Championship (WTC) final against New Zealand in 2021. According to him, the composition of the playing XI would be crucial in the game against Australia, and need to factor in the conditions and the pitch at The Oval. In an exclusive chat with RevSportz, Prasad shared his thoughts. Here are the excerpts:
Who do you see as the favourites for the upcoming World Test Championship Final, and why?
MSK: See had we at full strength, I would have picked our side as the hot favourite. But unfortunately, KL Rahul will miss out. We are going to miss the services of [Jasprit] Bumrah. Also, the all-rounder spot is a cause of concern. There is a little tilt in the balance of our team in alien conditions. We will also miss Rishabh [Pant], considering he has scored hundred at The Oval (in 2018). It depends on how quickly we adapt. Australia will start as favourites, but if we play to our potential, I think we will have a fair chance as well.
What should be ideal composition of the side considering the conditions at The Oval? Should India go in with an extra pacer or play both spinners in Ashwin and Jadeja?
MSK: I think we will have to look at the conditions, as it will be too premature to comment. We do not know how the pitch and conditions will be. Last time, we made the mistake of not understanding the conditions well. We needed an extra seamer as it was overcast and raining. We made some strategical mistakes last time which I feel should not be repeated. We need to pick the playing XI according to our strengths, rather than looking at the opposition’s weakness.
The selectors have picked Ishan Kishan as the second wicketkeeper. Should he be preferred over KS Bharat?
MSK: Ishan Kishan has been included. He was not part of the squad picked first. Considering the conditions and everything, I think he should play.
You went to Australia in 1999-2000 after playing just one home series against New Zealand. Likewise, Bharat has only played his first Test series against Australia. Based on your own experience, how tough will it be for him considering he has never played in England?
MSK: Regarding me, yes it was tough as I went to Australia after playing just one home series against New Zealand. Australia, in those days, was one of the all-time greatest sides. And I had never visited Australia before. But when it comes to KS Bharat, he has already been on India A tours to Australia, England and South Africa. Now, he is used to these conditions. And more than that, he had to keep in very tough conditions in India. So, I think we should stick with him as he has got the safest pair of hands.
In England, the Dukes balls swing a lot even after passing the bat. How challenging is it for the wicketkeepers?
MSK: It is very important to watch the ball till the end. In India or even in Australia, you just see the line and it is good enough. But in England, you need to watch the ball till the last seconds until it settles down in your gloves. There is every possibility that the ball can take other deviation once it passes the bat. It is very challenging to keep wickets. Another key aspect is to keep with soft hands. I am sure KS [Bharat] has that ability.
How big a blow will the absence of Rishabh Pant be for the Indian team?
MSK: He will be missed big time. Remember, he has scored hundreds in Australia and England. He walks in at a time when India are 40-4 or 200-4, and he is one player who has handled such situations brilliantly recently. We will miss him very heavily.
Will Jasprit Bumrah be missed despite Shami and Siraj being in decent form in recent times?
MSK: How [great] it would have been to see Bumrah, Shami and Siraj in the attack. It would have been lethal. Had he been around, we would have had the best chance to beat Australia. We will miss him, as he knows the conditions in England and has done well in the past. The way he moves the ball and the pace he generates would have been handy. We would miss him big time. Had he been around, I would have put my money and said India will win.
#MSKPrasad emphasizes learning from past mistakes for the upcoming WTC Final clash! Playing XI composition holds the key to success for #TeamIndia.
Listen to this exclusive interview for more details.@AgeasFederal @debasissen #WTCFinal2023 #WTCFinal #WTC2023 #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/afYHNp2maH
— RevSportz (@RevSportz) June 2, 2023
Shubman Gill has been in tremendous touch in IPL 2023. How crucial will his inclusion be for India?
MSK: To start with, it is a fact that Shubman is having a purple patch. He is in a very good mind space. It is very enriching. But the conditions are different in India. The majority of his runs have been scored in the subcontinent so far. If the conditions in England are hot, then we will have an advantage.
How crucial will Cheteshwar Pujara’s form be against the Aussies?
MSK: Team India is blessed to have Pujara, who has been performing in county [cricket]. His experiences will be invaluable. Pujara’s recent form in the County Championship is a big solace for Team India.
How big a role will Virat [Kohli] and Rohit [Sharma] have to play if India are to win an ICC event after 10 years?
MSK: With main players like Bumrah, Pant, Shreyas [Iyer] and Rahul missing, the role of senior cricketers like Virat and Rohit becomes very important. Rohit at the top, and Virat in the middle, will need to fire. If they perform to their ability, then it automatically releases the pressure on the other batters. You cannot be over-dependent on youngsters like Shubman. Yes, he can play a blinder of a knock, but for me Virat, Rohit, Pujara and Ajinkya [Rahane] must take most of the burden for India to do well as a batting unit.
Taking a cue from your answer, do you think Rahane’s selection in the Test squad was the right one?
MSK: If you talk about Ajinkya, he has been one of the most successful batters for Team India in overseas conditions in the last decade. His record speaks for itself. Any batter, if he is dropped, needs to go back to domestic cricket and perform, which he has done successfully. With Shreyas not there in the side, he is a perfect choice. Selectors have done the right thing to pick him. He has been in a good mind space as well, considering his recent form with the bat in IPL.
Do you see Rahane walking into the playing XI?
MSK: Obviously, now that you have picked him. No point leaving him out of the playing XI, considering Rahul is also not available. He should definitely walk into the playing XI.