The excitement is palpable as the Indian cricket team gears up for the highly anticipated ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final. Ahead of the clash with Australia at the Oval on June 7, India received a major boost with the return of star players Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Ajinkya Rahane, and Suryakumar Yadav, who joined the practice sessions.
The quarter of Gill, Jadeja, Rahane, and Suryakumar were recently involved in high-intensity matches in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. Gill and Jadeja featured in the IPL final between the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Gujarat Titans (GT) on May 29. On the other hand, Rahane and Suryakumar participated in the Qualifier 2 match between Gujarat and the Mumbai Indians (MI) on May 26.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared glimpses of these players attending their first practice session with the national team. The BCCI expressed their joy, stating, “The wait is over. Hello guys, welcome back! #TeamIndia @imjadeja | @ShubmanGill | @ajinkyarahane88 | @surya_14kumar.”
This marks the first time the entire Indian contingent trained together in preparation for the WTC final. Before the real test commences in a few days, the team is expected to engage in an intra-squad game to further hone their skills.
India’s appearance in the WTC final is their second since the tournament’s inception in 2021. In the inaugural season, they reached the final but suffered an eight-wicket defeat to New Zealand in Southampton.
Shubman Gill, who has recently joined the Indian squad, arrives with immense confidence after a remarkable campaign in the IPL. Emerging as the highest run-scorer in IPL 2023, Gill amassed 890 runs in 17 matches, including three centuries and four half-centuries.
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting praised the young prodigy, hailing his exceptional skills. Ponting emphasized Gill’s front-foot pull shot, which he executes with finesse and frequency. The former cricketer believes this shot will prove crucial against the formidable Australian pace attack in the WTC final.
“He looks like a terrific young guy,” expressed Ponting during an interview on ICC Review. “He’s got that bit of attitude about him as well. He’s got a bit of swagger. He has some serious class. That sort of front-foot pull shot that he plays against the fast bowlers will be a shot that he’ll probably need against this Australian attack.”
Gill’s impressive start to the 2023 cricket season further enhances his credentials. Having already amassed 157 runs, including a century, in just two Tests at an average of 51.33, he has set a strong foundation for himself.
As the WTC final draws near, the Indian team’s optimism soars with the return of key players and their dedication on the practice field. The clash with Australia promises to be an exhilarating battle, and fans worldwide eagerly await the spectacle.
While the final lineup for the WTC clash is yet to be announced, the Indian team is likely to field a formidable playing XI. With experienced campaigners like Gill, Jadeja, Rahane, and Suryakumar joining the ranks, India boasts a strong squad capable of taking on the mighty Australians.
