"Three Seamers And Jadeja If...": Harbhajan On India's Bowling Combination In WTC Final

06.06.2023 - 16:00 sports.ndtv.com

Former India cricketers Harbhajan Singh and Mohammed Kaif shared their insights on the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) Final between India and Australia in a recent interview with Star Sports.

Speaking exclusively to Star Sports, former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh said that he would prefer playing KS Bharat over Ishan Kishan for the WTC Final as he has been a more consistent performer in tests. "No, I don't think he (Kishan) should be in the starting 11 because KS Bharat has been playing consistently for some time.

If it was Wriddhiman Saha, then I would consider playing him because he has more experience and is a better keeper. If KL Rahul was fit, I would have played him instead, at number 5 or 6, because he is a proper opener and he could keep as well," Harbhajan said.

The former India off-spinner also went on to give his opinion on how the bowling attack should line up for the World Test Championship Final. "This all depends on what the pitch is saying, if the pitch has lesser grass and the sun is out, then play with two spinners.

cricket Australia Cricket Team on Star Sports Harbhajan Singh Shardul Thakur Australia India

After India's ICC World Test Championship final loss to Australia at The Oval, legendary spinner Harbhajan Singh raised questions over highly spin-friendly pitches in India, and how it affects India's preparation for big matches, especially in pace-friendly conditions. After their ICC World Test Championship title win against India in the final by 209 runs at The Oval, Australia made history by becoming the first-ever team to clinch all major ICC trophies. After dominating India over the course of five days Australia secured their maiden World Test Championship 2023 title on Sunday at the Oval, London. India was bundled out at 234 in 63.3 overs while chasing 444, with Mohammad Shami as the last player standing with a score of 13(8)*.

"It Will Take Us To...": Harbhajan Singh On Rohit Sharma's Suggestion Of 3 Finals For World Test Championship

Following India's loss to Australia in the summit clash of World Test Championship, skipper Rohit Sharma backed the idea of three finals for the mega event. In the WTC Final, Australia defeated India by 209 runs in the final to claim their maiden World Test Championship title. The game was dominated by the Pat Cummins-led side for the majority part and India barely had their moments of joy. After the match, Rohit said that a three-match series would be ideal for the next WTC cycle.

Why India Chose To Bowl In WTC Final? Head Coach Rahul Dravid Explains

Head coach Rahul Dravid defended India's decision to bowl first in the World Test Championship Final against Australia, saying the call was dictated by overcast conditions and grass on the pitch. In pursuit of a record 444, India were bowled out for 234 in the first session of the fifth day itself to lose their second WTC Final in a row by a massive margin of 209 runs. Dravid was posed some tough questions by Sourav Ganguly, who commentated during the WTC Final.

"Choice Is Yours": Ravi Shastri Puts Onus On India Players Over IPL Decision After WTC Final Loss

Former India coach Ravi Shastri on Sunday sounded skceptical about the possibility of players getting extended gap after the IPL or practice games ahead of future WTC final matches unless there is a change in thought by all the stakeholders. After India suffered a huge 209-run defeat against Australia at the Oval, head coach Rahul Dravid said arriving in England at least two weeks earlier and playing some side matches would have been ideal for the team ahead of the big game. However, Shastri did not buy into the idea and put the onus on the players to make a choice.

WTC Final - 'Not Just Going To Get A Hundred'...": Shastri's Massive Prediction About Kohli

A focussed Virat Kohli stood between Australia and World Test Championship mace as India required another 280 runs at the end of play on Saturday to create history on what promises to be an intriguing final day of the summit clash. Kohli was batting on 44 off 60 balls and had Ajinkya Rahane (20 batting) in company during a stand of 71 for the fourth wicket as India ended the fourth day on 164 for 3 in pursuit of a world record chase of 444. Kohli, who was dismissed for mere 14 runs in his first innings, seemed much more better in the crease during his ongoing knock.

"Cheat, Cheat, Cheat": Australian Cricketers Booed After Shubman Gill's Dismissal In WTC Final

The Oval Indian supporters, on Saturday, resorted to booing the Australian team, primarily Cameron Green after the giant all-rounder's diving catch to dismiss opener Shubman Gill looked inconclusive to the naked eye. At the stroke of tea, Scott Boland got one to bounce little extra from length and it flew from ball the shoulder of Gill's blade only to be scooped up inches off the ground by a diving Green, stationed at gully. Gill scored 18 in an opening stand of 41 and was looking in good rhythm. As tea was called, a dejected Indian skipper Rohit Sharma was seen having a chat with on-field umpires while trudging back to pavilion.