India Faces Selection Dilemma: The Oval Record Adds to Challenges Ahead of WTC Final.

India is set to face Australia in the ICC World Test Championship final at The Oval starting from June 7. This marks India’s second consecutive appearance in the tournament’s ultimate showdown, following a series of impressive performances throughout the year, including matches against England in the UK. However, alongside the excitement, the title clash also brings forth a range of concerns for the Indian team. They will need to address these worries, remain vigilant, and strive to rectify them in this high-stakes match.

The middle-order batters of the Indian cricket team, including Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, and Cheteshwar Pujara, have struggled with their performances at The Oval. Their records at this venue raise concerns for the team. Virat Kohli’s record, in particular, has been less than satisfactory, with modest numbers at best. In his three matches at The Oval, he has accumulated 169 runs with an average of 28.16. He has managed only one half-century, scoring 50 runs. Among his six innings, two resulted in single-digit scores, including a duck.

Pujara, the dependable number three batsman for India, has struggled to find his footing at this venue as well. In three Test matches, he has accumulated 117 runs at an average of 19.50, with only one fifty to his name. Among his six innings, three resulted in single-digit scores, including a duck.

Rahane’s performance on this ground has been the weakest among the three. Across three Tests and six innings, he has managed a mere 55 runs at an average of 9.17, with a highest score of 37.

Furthermore, their overall records in England are not particularly impressive either. Virat Kohli has played 16 matches in England, amassing 1,033 runs at an average of 33.32. He has scored two centuries and five fifties, with a highest score of 149. After a challenging tour in 2014, Virat made a strong comeback during the 2018 England tour, leading the run charts with 593 runs in five matches and ten innings, averaging 59.30. He registered two centuries and three fifties during that series.

Pujara’s record in England comprises 15 Test matches, where he has accumulated 829 runs at an average of 29.60. He has registered one century and five fifties in his 30 innings, with a remarkable highest score of 132*.

Similarly, Rahane has played 15 Tests in England as well, amassing 729 runs in 29 innings at an average of 26.03. He has recorded one century and five fifties during his performances in England.

The Australian batting sensation, Steve Smith, boasts an outstanding track record at The Oval, making him a player to keep a close eye on. In three Tests at the venue, Smith has amassed 391 runs with an astounding average of 97.75. He has notched up two centuries and a fifty in his five innings at The Oval.

Smith’s performance in Tests across England is equally impressive. In 16 matches, he has accumulated 1,727 runs at an average of 59.55. Smith has displayed his brilliance with six centuries and seven fifties in his 30 innings, with a remarkable best score of 215. The Indian bowlers will need to conjure something truly magical to dismiss him, and early breakthroughs against him will be crucial for India’s chances of victory.

Who to Choose: KS Bharat or Ishan Kishan?

Both KS Bharat and Ishan Kishan have been included in the Indian team due to the absence of the star player, Rishabh Pant. Pant’s impactful contributions in Test cricket will surely be missed by Team India. In England, Pant has amassed 556 runs in nine Tests at an average of 32.70. He has recorded two centuries and two fifties in his 17 innings, with a highest score of 146.

KS Bharat, despite having some experience playing in England and scoring an unbeaten 70* in a practice match against Leicestershire during India’s 2022 tour, still remains relatively inexperienced. In the four Tests he has played so far, he has managed only 101 runs at an average of 20.20, with a highest score of 44.

On the other hand, Ishan Kishan, known for his ability to hit big shots like Pant, might find it challenging to adapt to the English conditions in Test cricket, a format he is yet to play. His exposure in England is limited to just one T20I match, in which he scored eight runs.

Ultimately, the decision of choosing between KS Bharat and Ishan Kishan will depend on various factors, including the team’s strategy, the match situation, and the preference of the team management.

Both of the wicketkeeper-batsmen, KS Bharat and Ishan Kishan, possess limited experience, and unfortunately, Team India cannot alter this situation, especially with KL Rahul, one of their alternate keeper options, sidelined due to injury. Rahul has displayed his prowess in England, accumulating 614 runs in nine Tests at an average of 34.11. He has scored two centuries and a fifty in his 18 innings.

Ishan Kishan has demonstrated his skills with 2,985 runs in 48 first-class matches, averaging 38.76. He has registered six centuries and 16 fifties, showcasing his potential as a batsman. On the other hand, KS Bharat has amassed 4,808 runs in 90 first-class matches, maintaining an average of 37.27. His record comprises nine centuries and 27 fifties, reflecting his consistent performances over the years.

In the ICC World Test Championship, Australia secured the top position in the table with 11 wins, three losses, and five draws in 19 matches. India secured the second position with 10 wins, five losses, and three draws, demonstrating their strong performance throughout the tournament.

India’s squad for the WTC final consists of the following players: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, KS Bharat (wicketkeeper), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, and Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper).

Additionally, Suryakumar Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, and Yashasvi Jaiswal have been named as stand-by players for this crucial match.

On the other hand, the Australian squad comprises the following players: Pat Cummins (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Josh English (wicketkeeper), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Steve Smith (vice-captain), Mitchell Starc, and David Warner.

The standby players for Australia are Mitch Marsh and Matthew Renshaw.