India became the second team to qualify for the WTC Final 2023 after New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka in a thrilling Test match earlier today in Christchurch. For India to qualify for the final, the Kiwis had to stop the Sri Lankan cricket team from winning their two-match Test series by 2-0. Since New Zealand won the first Test, the Sri Lankan side has been knocked out of the race now.
India played against New Zealand in the inaugural ICC World Test Championship Final two years ago in Southampton. The Indian team lost that match by eight wickets. Virat Kohli was the captain in that game, while Rohit Sharma will lead the Indian side in the upcoming final.
Apart from the change in captaincy, there have also been some changes in the Indian playing XI since the inaugural World Test Championship Final. Here’s a list of the four Indian players who participated in the WTC Final 2021 but may not play in 2023 final.
1. Ishant Sharma may not play in WTC Final 2023
Experienced Indian fast bowler Ishant Sharma has lost his place in the squad. Sharma led the Indian pace attack in the inaugural WTC Final against New Zealand. He took a three-wicket haul in the first innings. However, it seems unlikely that he will play in the WTC Final this year.
2. Rishabh Pant will not play in WTC Final 2023
Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of action for the next few months because of his accident. The wicket-keeper batter scored 45 runs in two innings of the inaugural WTC Final. It is highly unlikely that Pant will be fit for the big clash against Australia later this year.
3. Ajinkya Rahane
Veteran Indian middle-order batter Ajinkya Rahane has also lost his place in the Indian Test squad. Rahane had a decent Ranji Trophy season with Mumbai, but he is unlikely to make a comeback to the Test team.
4. Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah remained wicketless in the WTC Final against New Zealand. He will not play in this year’s final because he recently underwent surgery.
