Since India’s defeat to New Zealand in the 2021 World Test Championship (WTC) final match, a lot has changed. Both captains, Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson aren’t leading their respective teams as well.
Kohli then regained his form, Ross Taylor announced his retirement, two T20 World Cups passed, and Australia resumed its position as the world’s test superpower.
Although India did well to defeat South Africa and earn a spot in their second consecutive World Cup Final. They will be without three important players when they face Pat Cummins’ Australia at the Oval on June 7.
Here Are The Indian Players From The Last WTC Final Who Will Not Play This Time
(1) Jasprit Bumrah
In a Twenty20 International match against Australia in September 2022, Jasprit Bumrah last competed for his country.
He reported back pain before the following series against South Africa. As a result, he was disqualified from both that tournament and the ensuing T20 World Cup.
After being added to India’s squad for an ODI series against Sri Lanka at home in January. It was revealed that the right-arm pacer would be out for a few more months.
Despite bowling well, he was the only Indian bowler to go through both innings without taking a wicket. So his performance in the WTC final in 2021 wasn’t great.
Bumrah would have been an excellent asset for India this year given his stellar record of 37 wickets at an average of 26.27 in England. Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami will probably be India’s first-choice pacers, with Umesh Yadav or Jaydev Unadkat getting a chance if the pace-friendly conditions prevail.
(2) Rishabh Pant.
Rishabh Pant was involved in a serious car accident in December of last year just as his Test prowess was reaching its pinnacle.
He was hospitalized for over a month after suffering injuries to his head, knee, and shin. He is said to be recovering well, though there is no set timetable for when he will be able to return to the field.
Ishan Kishan may also have a chance to start in his place. But KS Bharat is most likely to wear the gloves against Australia. Pant made 42 (88) in the low-scoring third innings of the WTC final 2021 before making a hasty shot and losing his wicket. He also scored 4 (22) in the first innings.
(3) Ishant Sharma
Ishant Sharma led India’s bowling attack alongside Mohammed Shami in the WTC final in 2021. He picked up 3/48 in New Zealand’s first innings as Jasprit Bumrah struggled.
Ishant and Wriddhiman Saha were reportedly no longer considered favourites by the selectors shortly after India lost. Ishan’s obvious successor, Mohammed Siraj, has emerged. He will replace him in the bowling lineup against Australia as well.
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