India’s Preparations Intensify: Ishan Kishan and KS Bharat Battle for the Wicketkeeper Spot Ahead of the ICC World Test Championship Final
As the highly anticipated ICC World Test Championship Final draws closer, the Indian cricket team finds themselves grappling with crucial decisions. With questions surrounding the ideal combination of spinners and fast bowlers, as well as the choice between two talented wicketkeepers, Ishan Kishan and KS Bharat, the team management faces a selection conundrum.
The team’s first training session at The Oval on Sunday provided little insight into India’s preferred combination, leaving fans and pundits speculating about the final lineup.
Close Friends, Competing for a Spot
Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan, both in their twenties and good friends off the field, took center stage during India’s training session in London. Gill, known for his playful banter, teased Kishan after noticing his attempts at the sweep shot.
Although Kishan didn’t convincingly execute the shot, he acknowledged it as a work in progress. Kishan, yet to make his Test debut, had an extensive batting session but did not practice his wicketkeeping skills. However, he encountered a minor scare when he suffered a hit to his left forearm from left-arm quick Aniket Choudhary. Kishan promptly received medical attention, and his injury seemed manageable as he carried two bats comfortably in his injured arm post-training.
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, considering Kishan’s X-factor qualities, believes the left-hander should feature in India’s final XI. Ponting considers Kishan a game-changer who can make the difference in a Test match, particularly in pursuit of victory. Ponting drew a parallel with Rishabh Pant, who had previously fulfilled this role before being sidelined due to injuries sustained in a car accident in December.
KS Bharat, Kishan’s competitor for the wicketkeeper role, began the training session with focused wicketkeeping drills before shifting his attention to batting. Bharat stepped in for Pant during the four-Test home series against Australia and showcased promise, both with the gloves and the bat.
However, neither Bharat nor Kishan have prior experience of keeping wickets in English conditions, where the ball tends to wobble and dip after passing the stumps. Technique and positioning become crucial attributes for wicketkeepers, particularly when standing back to fast bowlers. Bharat has some experience keeping for India A in a match against West Indies A in Beckenham in 2018.
All-Round Depth and Bowling Considerations
While the wicketkeeper dilemma captivates the attention of fans and experts, the Indian team management must also determine the ideal bowling combination. With the possibility of fielding two spinners and three fast bowlers or one spinner and four fast men, including the versatile Shardul Thakur as a bowling allrounder, India faces a strategic decision.
During Sunday’s training session, all three Indian spinners, Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja, showcased their bowling skills, hinting at the team’s contemplation of a two-spinner strategy. However, if India opts for a four-seamer attack, Thakur, Jaydev Unadkat, and Umesh Yadav are poised to complement the primary new-ball duo of Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj.
Promising Signs and Established Openers
The Indian squad, barring Ajinkya Rahane and the fast-bowling trio of Shami, Siraj, and Yadav, participated in extensive batting sessions at The Oval. Shubman Gill, expected to open alongside Rohit Sharma in the absence of KL Rahul, relished his timein the sun.
Having previously played two Tests in England in 2021, including the previous edition of the WTC final in Southampton, and featured in three County Championship games for Glamorgan in 2022, Gill brings valuable experience of English conditions. His impressive performances across all international formats in 2023, along with his successful IPL outings, have elevated expectations for his contributions in the final. Gill sought one-on-one guidance from batting coach Vikram Rathour, emphasizing his commitment to honing his skills.
Weather and Pitch Conditions
Any apprehensions about playing a Test match in June at The Oval, which has historically hosted Tests in other months, were quelled by the promising weather forecast. With sunny conditions expected throughout the week and temperatures ranging from the late teens to the early twenties Celsius, India can anticipate favorable playing conditions. While the specific pitch for the final is yet to be confirmed, it is likely to be a fresh strip with a dry surface.
Keeping Options Open, Ready for Battle
As observers witnessed over three hours of training, it became apparent that the Indian team management intends to keep all options open while preparing for the final showdown. The training session demonstrated the team’s readiness to adapt to various combinations and scenarios, instilling confidence in their ability to confront any challenges that may arise.
