Probable Playing XI for India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 Final

The eagerly awaited final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 took place after a pool of 20 players and 4 reserves were selected for the World Test Championship (WTC). While the initial venue was set to be the prestigious Lord's, the event was shifted to Southampton due to the unforeseen challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic. This change has simplified the tournament's logistical management, with a hotel located adjacent to Hampshire Bowl providing comfort to both teams during the final matches.

Team Composition Strategy

The selection of a playing XI is a critical decision. Unlike a bilateral test series, where changes can be made across matches, the WTC final is a singular event. This necessitates a careful selection process from the outset. The selection of opening batsmen Rohit Sharma and Shubhman Gill has been confirmed, ensuring they retain their spots at the top of the order.

Batting Lineup

The middle-order trio of Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, and Ajinkya Rahane is known for their reliability and consistency. With Rishabh Pant slated to keep wicket and bat at number six, the batting lineup is expected to be strong and versatile. Despite Hanuma Vihari's good form, he has narrowly missed out, thanks to the prowess of all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who can act as a valuable seventh batsman.

Bowling Tactics

Southampton is recognized for favoring spin bowlers, as demonstrated during India's tour of England in 2018, where Moeen Ali's performance was particularly noteworthy. The surface at Hampshire Bowl offers both spin and bounce, creating ideal conditions for slower bowlers like Ashwin and Jadeja. Due to these conditions, Ashwin is likely to earn a spot, capitalizing on the bouncy nature of the pitch, while Jadeja's effectiveness in turning conditions makes him an invaluable asset.

India's strategy likely involves fielding two spinners and three fast bowlers to capitalize on the diverse surface. Given that none of the pacers can be consistently relied upon as batsmen, this composition ensures a balanced team. The pace bowling department will be well-prepared with Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammad Shami as the key players. There is a slight possibility that either Siraj or Shardul might replace one of the fast bowlers, depending on form and current needs.

Probable Playing XI

Position Name Opening Batsman 1 Rohit Sharma Opening Batsman 2 Shubhman Gill Middle-Order Batsman 1 Cheteshwar Pujara Captain Virat Kohli Vice-Captain Ajinkya Rahane Wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant All-Rounder Ravindra Jadeja Spin Bowler Ravichandran Ashwin Pace Bowler 1 Ishant Sharma Pace Bowler 2 MoHammad Shami Pace Bowler 3 Jasprit Bumrah

Conclusion

The selection process for the WTC final involved careful consideration of batting and bowling strengths. India's plans to form a strong and balanced team are evident in the selection of Rohit Sharma and Shubhman Gill for the top order and the inclusion of Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, and Ajinkya Rahane in the middle order. The inclusion of spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin and fast bowlers Ishant Sharma, Mohamad Shami, and Jasprit Bumrah further solidifies India's chances in the final. This lineup is poised to take on their opponents with confidence and resilience.