The Indian squad for the WTC final against New Zealand was announced on June 15. The marquee clash will take place at the Ageas Rose Bowl in Southampton, starting on the 18th of June. Just a few hours ago, the Black Caps had announced their 15-man squad for the final as well.
The Asian giants will be going in with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill at the top, followed by Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari. Wicket-keepers Rishabh Pant and Wriddhiman Saha were selected, although it’s very likely that the former will be the preferred choice for the role.
Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin are the only all-rounders in the squad, and it’s very much possible that both of them will start in the final. The bowling attack consists of a mixture of youth and experience, with Siraj being rewarded for his bowling performances in Australia. Expected regulars Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami and Umesh Yadav round out the variety in the pace bowling department.
Players missing out in the squad for the WTC Final
The surprises were few to none, apart from the exclusion of the Karnataka boys, KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal. Both of them couldn’t find a way into the stacked Indian side but will still be part of the England tour starting in August. Along with them, all-rounders Shardul Thakur, Washington Sundar and left-arm tweaker Axar Patel were left out.
Twitterati were deeply saddened with these omissions, especially that of Mayank Agarwal. The Karnataka batsman has had a pretty good start to his Test career. In 14 matches for India, the opener has scored 1052 runs at an average of 45.74, which includes a monumental knock of 243 against Bangladesh at the Holkar stadium in Pune.
In the WTC, he has amassed 867 runs in 12 matches, which include 3 centuries as well. But unfortunately for Mayank, he was unable to perform for the team in India’s tour down under and eventually lost his place in the side to Shubman Gill.
Here are some of the reactions to Mayank Agarwal’s snub from India’s 15-member squad for WTC final:
No Mayank Agarwal in the squad?
Bevarsigala #WTCFinals https://t.co/sRcS3Kfwrb— ಕೌಶಿಕ್ (@koush1k_p) June 15, 2021
Life Kinda , How Turned For Mayank Agarwal .
Before Australia Series , He Was Highest Runs Scorer For India And Best Opener .
He Just Failed in Australia Series And Though He Didn't All Chances in Australia .
And Now Didn't Named in Final Squad 😢 #INDvNZ #WTCFinals pic.twitter.com/YzVUIlhbxS
— ً (@52off89) June 15, 2021
Don't know but I always feel bad for Mayank Agarwal 💔
— Asha (@ashaa_45) June 15, 2021
I feel bad for #MayankAgarwal, he was the highest run scorer in the tournament with two double tons until his place got robbed after one bad series and we all knew that #KLRahul won't get a chance anyhow. I wish bcci would have sent them for SL tour 😔💔 pic.twitter.com/XTeT2toxWz
— CoMrAdE (@saaho_hammid) June 15, 2021
That's unreal disrespect to Mayank Agarwal. The man scored two double centuries in this WTC Cycle and he has been left out of the fifteen.
Let alone having him in the XI, should have been in the 15 atleast. Pathetic treatment. https://t.co/eJf53EX7cQ
— Jaanvi🏏 (@ThatCric8Girl) June 15, 2021
Much Surprised After Not Seeing Place Of Mayank Agarwal In Squad #WTCFinals #INDvNZ
— Yash 🇮🇳 (@CricYash64) June 15, 2021
