5 players India will miss in WTC final

The World Test Championship final is less than a month away as India and Australia prepare themselves to lock horns in the summit clash from June 7 at The Oval in London. Both teams have announced their respective squads for the final and the players are gearing up to take their team to glory in the big game. While Australia are having most of their players fit and ready for the final, India’s preparations have been marred by several injuries to their players. On that note, let’s take a look at five players India will likely miss in the WTC final:

1. KL Rahul

The star batter got injured during fielding in IPL 2023 Match 43 between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Rahul injured his hamstring while trying to stop a boundary and will be undergoing surgery, hence he will not be a part of the WTC final. The BCCI announced Ishan Kishan as his replacement.

2. Shreyas Iyer

Iyer last played for India during the fourth Test between India and Australia in March 2023. The batter didn’t come out to bat due to issues with his back which have been troubling him since the start of 2023. According to reports, Iyer has gone through surgery in April 2023 and will be undergoing a six-week rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. In Iyer’s absence veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane has been recalled to the Test squad to bring experience in the middle order.

3. Jasprit Bumrah

The speedster has been out of action since September 2022 due to a stress fracture and underwent a successful surgery in March 2023. Bumrah has begun his rehabilitation at the NCA from April and is likely to get fit for the ODI World Cup 2023. However, he will be a big miss for India in the WTC final owing to his vast experience of bowling in English conditions.

4. Rishabh Pant

The wicketkeeper-batter met with a horrific car accident on December 30 2022 as his speeding car hit a divider while travelling from Delhi to his hometown Roorkee Uttarakhand. Pant miraculously managed to escape from the burning vehicle and has recently started his rehabilitation at the NCA. Pant’s aggressive intent will be a big miss for India as he has a splendid record against Australia in Tests.

5. Jaydev Unadkat

The left-arm seamer injured his shoulder while practising in the nets on April 30 and will be undergoing scans to know the extent of his injury. Unadkat has been ruled out of IPL 2023 but his recovery is being closely observed by the BCCI medical team. If the southpaw fails to get fit in time, it will be another big blow for India ahead of the summit clash.