While Shubman Gill, aged 23, has already accumulated two centuries in his career, his batting average hovers just below 32. However, Rathour emphasizes that Gill embodies the qualities of a great player as he combines potential, hard work, and temperament. Rathour firmly believes that Gill will be the driving force of Indian batting in the future.

“His potential is immense, and he has already showcased his abilities in other formats as well as in Test cricket. It might take some time for him to fully establish himself in a specific format, but he has the necessary time. Given his remarkable potential, I have no doubt that he will play a significant role in the Indian team’s batting department across all three formats for a considerable duration,” Rathour expressed with confidence.

Shubman Gill, despite taking some time to establish himself, is displaying a commendable work ethic and a dedicated approach towards improving his game. One of his notable attributes is his temperament, which sets him apart as a player with immense potential. Without a doubt, he possesses the qualities necessary to excel in all three formats of the game for an extended period.

Ahead of the first Test against the West Indies, a match that India triumphed in just three days, Gill engaged in discussions with the team management. He expressed his desire to occupy the No.3 position, a position previously dominated by the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara and Rahul Dravid. While Pujara and Dravid were renowned for their ability to wear down bowlers with their resolute batting, Rathour highlighted that Gill possesses the unique ability to seamlessly switch between defense and attack, adapting to the team’s requirements.

The team had three openers, so the decision was made to assign one of them to the No.3 position. Interestingly, it was Shubman Gill himself who expressed his preference for batting at No.3. He based his reasoning on his prior experience in first-class cricket and for the Indian team, where he had predominantly batted at positions three or four. This decision was met with unanimous approval from the team. Subsequently, Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma concluded that it would be best for Gill to occupy the No.3 spot.

“It would be unfair to judge him based on one innings. He has ample time, and we firmly believe he will excel in this role. He possesses the skills required to thrive in that position. Gill has the ability to adapt his approach, taking his time when needed and also unleashing his stroke play to drive the game forward. Having such a talented batsman at No.3 provides us with a significant advantage.”

Rathour expressed his admiration for Yashasvi Jaiswal’s remarkable performance in his debut Test match. Scoring a gritty 171 runs, Jaiswal made an impressive transition to Test cricket, following his outstanding performances in the IPL, where his stroke play and high strike rate garnered considerable attention.

Drawing on my experience as a selector, it is essential to select players with a long-term vision for the next decade representing the Indian team. Yashasvi Jaiswal undoubtedly possesses the potential to fulfill this criterion. While I had not worked with him before, what stood out for me was his impressive performance in the IPL, showcasing his dynamic and attacking batting style. However, what truly impressed me was his ability to adapt his game according to the team’s requirements.

During the innings, Jaiswal faced a challenging phase on the second day, where he meticulously scored around 20 runs off 90 balls before the Lunch break. This particular aspect stood out to me as the highlight of his innings. It demonstrated his versatility and ability to play against his natural instincts, patiently navigating through a difficult phase before ultimately going on to score significant runs. It was a phenomenal display of skill and determination. Without a doubt, Jaiswal possesses immense potential and a promising future in all three formats of the game with the Indian team, and there is no doubt in my mind about that, Rathour confidently asserted.

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India suffered early setbacks in their batting innings, losing key wickets after dismissing Australia for 469 on the second day of the World Test Championship final at the Oval on Thursday.

Captain Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill fell in quick succession, leaving India at 37-2 during the tea break. Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara followed suit, compounding India’s troubles as they slumped to 71-4.Nevertheless, Ravindra Jadeja mounted a determined counteroffensive, unleashing a spirited barrage of shots. Unfortunately, his innings came to an end as Nathan Lyon claimed his wicket, striking just before the close of play and further solidifying Australia’s commanding position in the match.

At stumps, Ajinkya Rahane remained unbeaten on 29, accompanied by KS Bharat on 5, as India still trailed by 318 runs.

Each of the five Indian bowlers claimed a wicket, contributing to Australia’s all-out total after lunch. India made a commendable comeback, taking the last seven wickets for 108 runs, especially after Australia threatened to cross the 500-run mark while Travis Head and Steve Smith were at the crease. However, following the departures of both century-makers in the morning session, only Alex Carey managed to reach double figures.

Alex Carey played an impressive innings, reaching 48 runs by smashing spinner Ravindra Jadeja over the mid-on boundary. However, his eagerness to continue the aggression led to his downfall as he attempted an ill-advised reverse sweep on the next ball and missed it completely. Mohammed Siraj emerged as the standout performer for the Indian bowling attack, claiming four wickets, notably dismissing Travis Head. Mohammed Shami and Shardul Thakur contributed with two wickets each.

Current Scores:

Australia concluded their first innings with a total of 469 runs, having been all out in 121.3 overs. Noteworthy contributions came from Travis Head, who scored an impressive 163, and Steve Smith, who scored 121 runs. Alex Carey also made a valuable contribution of 48 runs. Among the Indian bowlers, Mohammed Shami took 2 wickets for 102 runs, Mohammed Siraj claimed 2 wickets for 106 runs, and Shardul Thakur took 2 wickets for 83 runs.

India, 1st Innings: 151 for 5 in 38 overs (Ravindra Jadeja 48, Ajinkya Rahane 29 not out; Nathan Lyon 1/4)

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Australia Face Early Setbacks as India Make Inroads on Day 1 at the Oval.

During the opening session at the Oval on Wednesday, Australia reached a score of 73/2 by lunch. India successfully dismissed the in-form David Warner for 43 just before the break, while Usman Khawaja fell for a duck, courtesy of Shardul Thakur and Mohammed Siraj respectively. Notably, the Indian team made the strategic decision to exclude the world’s top-ranked Test bowler, Ravichandran Ashwin, and elected to bowl first in the highly anticipated World Test Championship Final against Australia.

The clash between India and Australia marks the pinnacle of Test cricket as they vie for the coveted title in the second edition of the World Test Championship Final. This five-day, one-off Test match includes a reserve day to accommodate any interruptions due to rain, similar to the previous encounter between India and New Zealand in 2021 at Southampton.

India and Australia Announce Playing XIs for the Match

India Playing XI: Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma (c), Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Srikar Bharat (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohammad Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav

Australia Playing XI: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland

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Assessment of Pitch Conditions to Determine Playability in Case of Damage In the event of pitch hampering, a thorough evaluation will be conducted to determine its suitability for continued play. If the pitch is deemed to be in good condition, the match will proceed as scheduled. However, if the pitch is deemed unfit for play, officials will examine the condition of the alternative pitch and make a decision on its viability as a playing surface.

Captain’s Agreement and Umpire Protocol in Case of Pitch Damage during WTC 2023 Final

Both team captains, Rohit Sharma and Pat Cummins, have been consulted and their opinions taken into consideration regarding the playability of the match following pitch damage. If both captains agree to continue playing despite the damage, the match will proceed accordingly. However, if they do not reach a consensus, there is a possibility that the match could be called off or abandoned.

During the WTC 2023 final, specific sections of the regulations will play a crucial role, depending on the unfolding circumstances.

In accordance with section 6.4.1, the on-field umpires have the authority to halt the game if they determine that playing on the damaged pitch would be unsafe or unreasonable. They will promptly inform the ICC match referee of this decision.

In addition, as stated in section 6.4.4, if the determination is made to not continue the match, the on-field umpires, in coordination with the ICC match referee, will evaluate the feasibility of repairing the existing pitch to resume the match from the point it was stopped. The ICC match referee will carefully consider whether such repairs would unfairly advantage either team, taking into account the play that had already transpired on the hazardous pitch.

Communication and Reserve Day in WTC Final, Squad Details

As part of the decision-making procedures mentioned earlier, in compliance with section 6.4.7, the ICC match referee will maintain consistent communication, providing timely updates to both team captains and the head of the ground authority. The head of the ground authority will be responsible for timely and appropriate public announcements regarding the situation.

The World Test Championship (WTC) final is scheduled to commence at 3 pm IST from June 7 to June 11 at the Oval in London, with a reserve day allocated in case of adverse weather conditions affecting the match.

The Indian squad for the WTC final consists of the following players: Rohit Sharma (Captain), 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).

The stand-by players for India include Suryakumar Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Australia’s squad for the WTC final is as follows: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Steve Smith (VC), Mitchell Starc, David Warner.

Stand-by players for Australia are Mitch Marsh and Matthew Renshaw.

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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.

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Rohit Sharma Acknowledges the Challenge of Batting in England Ahead of WTC Final

Indian captain Rohit Sharma, who excelled as India’s top batsman in the four Tests against England in 2021, shared his personal insights during an ICC event titled ‘Afternoon With Test Legends.’ Seated alongside Pat Cummins, Ross Taylor, and Ian Bell, Rohit expressed the difficulties of feeling settled as a batsman in English conditions, despite scoring his only Test century outside the sub-continent at the Oval in 2021.

“In England, you never feel ‘in,'” Rohit admitted. “The conditions are challenging, and the weather keeps changing. It requires prolonged focus, and eventually, you develop an intuition about when to take on the bowlers. Moreover, it’s crucial to understand your strengths and remain on the field.”

As the World Test Championship final against Australia approaches, Rohit, who boasts the highest batting average (50 plus) in the Indian team since the tournament’s inception, emphasized the significance of perseverance and hard work on English tracks. He believes that a determined and gritty approach is irreplaceable in these conditions.

“It’s a challenging environment for batters in England, but success can be achieved through a good grind,” Rohit remarked. “By remaining prepared and maintaining concentration for extended periods, you can find success and seize the right moments to dominate the bowlers.”

Rohit Sharma’s Interest in Analyzing Scoring Patterns and Adapting to Different Formats

Known for his affinity towards data and analytics, which has been evident through his association with Mumbai Indians and Team India, Rohit Sharma emphasizes the value of understanding the scoring patterns of former players who have excelled at the Oval. While he does not aim to replicate their styles, he believes that gaining insights into their approach would be beneficial.

“I don’t intend to imitate them, but it would be helpful to know how successful players scored at the Oval. What I’ve noticed is that the square boundaries are quite fast there,” Rohit explains. As he has transitioned between formats for more than a decade, he acknowledges the inherent challenges but also finds enjoyment in them. He possesses the ability to adjust his technique based on the requirements of each format.

“The shift between formats has definitely been a challenging aspect. Playing across multiple formats demands mental adaptability and the willingness to tweak your technique. It requires constant self-assessment and mental preparedness,” Rohit shares. While many younger players are still adjusting to this aspect, those of us who have been doing it for years are able to deliver our best performances, he adds.

Rohit Sharma’s inclination towards analyzing data and his ability to adapt to varying formats are notable traits that have contributed to his success in the game of cricket.

Test Cricket Holds the Highest Significance for Rohit Sharma

Despite winning numerous accolades such as five IPL trophies, a T20 World Cup, and a Champions Trophy, the 35-year-old Indian captain considers Test cricket as the ultimate format of the game.

“It continues to challenge you. You crave these situations. They bring out the best in you as an individual. In the past 3-4 years, we have experienced significant success in Test cricket. Now, our focus is on overcoming that final obstacle and instilling confidence in the younger players, enabling them to play the way they desire,” Rohit emphasized.

He believes that Test cricket presents unique challenges that push players to their limits, both mentally and physically. The thrill of facing these challenges and the opportunity to excel in such demanding conditions motivates him. Furthermore, Rohit aims to serve as a role model for the younger generation, instilling the confidence they need to express themselves freely on the field.

While Rohit has achieved tremendous success in limited-overs formats, his unwavering dedication and passion for Test cricket highlight his immense respect for the traditional and longest format of the game.

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Despite the Mumbai Indians‘ qualification for the IPL playoffs, Rohit struggled to make significant contributions with the bat. Throughout 16 matches, the Hitman managed to score only 332 runs, averaging 20.75 with a strike-rate of 132.80. Nevertheless, Manjrekar remains unfazed by these numbers and believes they hold no significance in the context of India’s preparation for the Test match.

Let’s set aside his IPL form because, as we’ve seen in the past, Rohit Sharma has had his moments of struggle in the tournament as well. However, if we look at his performance in the first Test match against Australia, we witnessed some incredible batting from him. Considering the stage of his career, Test cricket appears to be the most thrilling format for Rohit Sharma, just as it has always been for Virat Kohli,” expressed Manjrekar during his appearance on Star Sports.

Delving into the technical aspects of Rohit’s batting, Manjrekar highlighted that his skills in the longest format of the game are nearly flawless.

“His batting in Test cricket has reached an almost faultless level at the moment. There is only one area where we have noticed a slight vulnerability – he occasionally gets dismissed while attempting the pull shot. The opposition has cleverly employed a short ball strategy with a fielder placed strategically for that shot. It becomes an instinctive response on Rohit’s part.

In ODI cricket, Rohit Sharma’s pull shot is a fascinating aspect of his batting technique. Unlike conventional players, he employs a unique approach by keeping his back lift low, allowing him to play the ball down. He smoothly picks up the ball and swiftly moves the bat behind his back during the follow-through, generating tremendous power,” Manjrekar elaborated.

The eagerly anticipated World Test Championship final is scheduled to take place at the Oval, commencing on June 7th.

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On the other hand, India has made no changes to their final squad, except for the withdrawal of KL Rahul due to an injury. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mukesh Kumar, and Suryakumar Yadav have been named as standby players for the Indian team. The powerful squads of both teams promise to make the upcoming five-day final a thrilling encounter.

For those interested in watching the World Test Championship final between India and Australia, here are the live-streaming details:

IND vs AUS WTC Final 2023 Squads

Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc, David Warner

Standby players: Mitchell Marsh, Matthew Renshaw

India squad: 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: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mukesh Kumar, Suryakumar Yadav

IND vs AUS WTC Final Live Streaming Details

The Star Sports Network holds the broadcasting rights for the World Test Championship final in India. All Star Sports channels will telecast the live coverage of the India vs. Australia WTC final 2023. In Australia, the final match will be broadcasted by Fox Sports from June 7 to June 11.

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