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BCCI expected to announce the squad for World Test Championship final in next 48 hours: Report

The exact size will depend on the BCCI advisory on whether to select for the 5-Test series set to be played in England or just for the WTC final.

By Arnab Mukherji | May 6, 2021 | 2 Min Read

The Indian squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against New Zealand is expected to be finalised in the next 48 hours. The selectors are looking to pick a well-backed squad. According to a report from Cricbuzz, there could be at least four openers, about four to five middle-order batsmen, eight to nine pacers, four to five spinners and two to three wicketkeepers. One major factor behind the size of the squad will be a BCCI advisory. The BCCI advisory is linked to whether the squad will be selected solely for the WTC final or even the five-Test series set to be played in England.

One can expect all players who were part of the recent four-Test home series against England, to get retained. It will however be interesting to note whether Hardik Pandya gets an opportunity, considering the limited number of overs bowled in recent times.

While Prithvi Shaw may have a slim chance, there is a higher possibility of Prasidh Krishna getting his maiden Test call. Mohammed Shami, who missed out on the Tests against England, will be expected to return.

Ravindra Jadeja’s availability a major boost

Ravindra Jadeja and Hanuma Vihari are two other players who did not feature in the Tests against England but will be expected to stage comebacks. Jadeja has been a star performer in recent times with Vihari currently playing in England.

There is no certain information with regard to the schedule of the Indian team when it comes to travelling to England. Virat Kohli and the Indian cricket team could leave early for the ICC World Test Championship final against New Zealand. With the postponement of IPL 2021, the team now has adequate time to prepare for the final.

However, there is an area of concern for Team India when it comes to travelling to the United Kingdom. The UK has put India on the ‘red list’ and has mandated a 14-day quarantine on arrival from the country. It will be interesting to note how world cricket goes about adapting to the chaos that has been created by the COVID-19, following the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 being postponed.