Team India will take on New Zealand in the final of the World Test Championship on June 18th. It will be a historic moment for both teams to be part of the final of the prestigious competition. However, there are many stakes involved too. In this article, we talk about six major consequences if Team India loses the WTC Final at Southampton.
The Indian squad has faltered at the knockout stages of ICC events in recent years. Despite that, not much has been changed with regards to the squad and the management. However, it could be different if Team India loses the WTC Final.
Note: The below consequences are only likely possibilities and nothing is confirmed as yet
1) Virat Kohli may make a bold decision about his captaincy
Virat Kohli is under an enormous amount of pressure to deliver at the WTC final against New Zealand. Firstly, his record of losing at crunch situations as a captain needs to be set straight. Next up, his batting has been lacking the spark in recent months. Hence, if India falters in the WTC final, Kohli might take a call on his captaincy. He could as well step down from the role in any one format of the game.
2) Ravi Shastri could be replaced after World T20
The same is the case with Ravi Shastri, as it is with Virat Kohli. The coach is on an extended tenure, which currently lasts until World T20. Under him, Team India has already lost many ICC tournaments. If the WTC final also goes this way, the former Indian cricketer might be released after the World T20, not accounting for the result of the showpiece event.
3) NOC’s for Indians to play in foreign leagues, especially in SENA countries
This is one aspect that has been lingering on the minds of many fans for the last few years. While every other country player is learning from their experience of playing on Indian pitches in IPL, the Indian cricketers are not benefitting. Especially for leagues in the SENA countries, irrespective of the format of the tournament, BCCI might think of handing out NOC’s, although this procedure could take time.
4) A pace-bowling all-rounder might be fast-tracked from the domestic circuit
It is high time that Team India needs to invest in a backup all-rounder for Hardik Pandya. While the contingent to England has four spin-bowling all-rounders, there is not one player who could bowl pace and also contribute with the bat. This will haunt the squad whenever they tour the SENA countries. Hence, a player from the domestic circuit could be fast-tracked to Team India.
5) A right-arm pacer to be dropped for a left-arm pacer for the next WTC cycle
If Team India loses the WTC Final, we could see a right-arm pacer being dropped straightaway to include a left-arm pacer. In the red-ball format, variety is necessary as the opposition batsmen are usually patient. Team India does not have one left-arm quick at the moment. The management might make a strong decision of trimming the over-populated right-armers in the pace attack and giving a chance to a left-arm pacer.
6) Change in the batting unit for England series
Soon after the WTC final, India plays England in a red-ball series. We could see a drastic change in the batting unit if India loses the WTC final. Barring Virat, Pujara and Pant, if anyone else fails miserably in the WTC final, their position will be in doubt for the England series.
