The Indian Cricket Team is set to face Australia in the ICC WTC Final 2023 at The Oval from June 7. It’s Team India’s 2nd consecutive final in the World Test Championship. Last time, they played the final in 2021 against New Zealand but fell short to win the inaugural title.
Now, the Indian cricket team has a very big question ahead of the ICC WTC Final 2023, which is, whether either play two spinners or one spinner. And if only one, who would it be?
MSK Prasad, the former chief selector says it is hard to ignore the possibility of playing both R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.
Will India play with two spinners at The Oval?
It’s a very tough call for Team India to take. Both R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have done well for Team India over the years in this format.
R Ashwin didn’t play a single game during England’s 2021-22 tour
If we saw the last time team India played a 5-match series in England in 2021-22, R Ashwin hasn’t played a single game. Ravindra Jadeja was preferred because of his batting ability. The left-hander didn’t play a big role with the ball, but he chipped in with the bat and was one of the best batters for the team.
The team preferred Shardul Thakur over R Ashwin as the extra seamer who can bat a bit as well. The series drew 2-2 when England won the last test by chasing 370+ in the 4th inning.
WTC Final 2021
Both R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja played in the ICC WTC Final 2021 at The Rose Bowl, Southampton. India lost that game as the Pacers dominated the whole game.
What MSK Prasad said?
MSK Prasad, the former chief selector also said it will be a tough call for the Indian cricket team to leave one of the spinners.
“Jadeja has been so good of late that he can play as a specialist batter. It is a tricky call considering what both can bring to the table, it is hard to ignore. Ashwin with his 400-plus wickets and is someone who is who can bowl on any surface. If it comes to that, it will be a very tough call,” MSK Prasad told PTI news agency.
All depends on the conditions on offer as well
It all depends on what are the conditions during the match. All eyes will be on two things. First is how the wicket looks and the other is weather conditions.
“It all depends on conditions at The Oval. This is the actual story of the movie, the pitch, and the conditions. We don’t know how they will be over five days, so we should not pre-fix our mind and understand the conditions and back our instincts,” Prasad added.
What type of wicket we can expect for the ICC WTC Final 2023?
Traditionally, it is a good batting. There is some extra zip for the pacers as well and if they hit the right length, they will make life difficult for the batters.
R Ashwin or Ravindra Jadeja – Who will get the nod if only one spinner has to play?
Can’t ignore Radeja’s batting prowess’
The way Jadeja has been doing with the bat in the last few years, it is very hard to ignore him. MSK Prasad said Jadeja can even play as a proper batter. And why not, he shows his class with the bat over the years. Also, he is coming with boosted confidence, winning an IPL final on the last two balls.
Ashwin is more of a wicket-taker
If we see in terms of a wicket-taking ability, R Ashwin left Jadeja behind. The off-spinner is more of a wicket-taker as compared to Ravindra Jadeja, who is more of a containment bowler.
Right now, Ravindra Jadeja is looking ahead in the pecking order if Team India has to play only one spinner. He also brings variety to the batting order as a left-hander. But it will be up to Team India. It will be a difficult call for them.
If there is a slight dryness on the wicket, Team India might go with both spinners as well. Both are very good batters as well.
Conclusion
MSK Prasad has said it right. It will be hard to ignore the possibility of playing both spinners. Let’s see what happens next. The ICC WTC Final 2023 will start on June 7. And there will be a reserve day as well in case the rain interrupts.
Team India’s squad for the ICC WTC Final 2023-
Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, KS Bharat (wk), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, Ishan Kishan.
Australia’s squad for the ICC WTC Final 2023-
Pat Cummins (C), Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Steven Smith, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Scott Boland, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy, Mitchell Starc
What do you think? Will both the spinners play at the WTC Final 2023? Comment your answers below. Thank you for reading the article. Keep following us for the latest updates.
