Team India will take on New Zealand in the World Test Championship Final at Southampton. It will be a prestigious title to win considering WTC is the highest honour in Test Cricket.
India had an extraordinary run in the WTC, which saw them finishing as the toppers of the table. All of it was due to the consistent performances of the members of the squad. However, there was one feature of this run that was crucial as well. Despite frequent injuries, the bench-members stepped up often and made sure Team India did not suffer.
However, notwithstanding these performances, some of these cricketers may not play the WTC Final. We talk about these cricketers in this article.
1. Mohammed Siraj
Within the first few games of his international career, Mohammed Siraj became the leader of the India pace unit in Australia. He was astounding with his performances and was one of the main reasons for Team India’s victory at the Gabba. While many credited the assisting pitches in Australia for his good form, Siraj repeated his show in India against England. Although he got very few overs to bring out his best, the Hyderabadi pacer picked crucial wickets, and also kept the pressure on the English batsmen. That said, with Bumrah, Shami and Ishant likely to be available by that time, Siraj may not play the WTC final.
2. Axar Patel
Ravindra Jadeja missing out on a home test series would have been a blow for Team India. However, Axar Patel’s performance was so good that Jaddu’s absence was never felt. Despite it being his first series, Axar displayed good composure and maturity on the pitch. He was consistent with his lines and always looked threatening against the Englishman. In England, though, Axar may not be part of the XI. Jadeja will be back, and with the CSK man being a better batsman, he will be part of the final squad.
3. Washington Sundar
Washington Sundar was never considered a Test Cricketer. He stayed back in Australia after the T20 series just to help out the batsmen in the nets. However, he got a chance to come on the field in the final game. While he bowled alright, it was Washi’s batting that made the difference. His knock in the first innings at Gabba saved India, while in the second innings, his cameo helped India cross the line. In India too, Washi continued his show with the bat. Despite this, he will not be part of the WTC final. Ravindra Jadeja will be the preferred all-rounder in the XI.
4. Shardul Thakur
Shardul Thakur’s batting performance in the first innings at the Gabba is one for the ages. No one expected him to survive for long, but the Mumbaikar did that and saved India from conceding a big lead. Not just that, Shardul was excellent with the ball as well. He collected four wickets in the second innings and helped India bundle out Australia quite early. Despite this, Shardul may not make it to the final XI. There are at least four to five pacers ahead of him in the pecking order.
5. Hanuma Vihari
If you look back, Hanuma Vihari has just very few memorable performances in the WTC. However, his most famous outing was against Australia in Sydney. Battling an injury, the Andhra batsman stuck it out in the middle and ensured India saved the game. If he had not done it, Team India could have lost the game and could not have won the series. Although he is back from injury, India’s Top 6 is frozen and Vihari may not be part of the XI.
6. T Natarajan
T Natarajan was a net bowler for the Indian Team for the Test series. He just had the task of simulating Mitchell Starc’s bowling in the nets. Courtesy of the injuries, Nattu made his debut at the Gabba. Many felt he wasn’t a good red-ball bowler. However, he actually brought out a good show. He was consistent with his lines and also picked a few wickets. That said, he is now unlikely to fly to England to take part in the WTC final.
