Harbhajan Singh names India's playing XI for WTC Final against Australia, leaves out this key player

India will take on Australia in World Test Championship Final at The Oval.

Just 2 days from now, India will be taking the field against hot favourites Australia in the World Test Championship Final at The Oval. Favourable weather conditions will make an interesting encounter between two of the top sides in whites. Indian team management is going through a big discussion before deciding their playing eleven to take on the Aussies. Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has given his thoughts on the possible Indian playing XI. Harbhajan Singh has suggested that India should go on considering the pitch and weather conditions in the game. Team India paid a heavy price going in with a pre-decided mindset in the previous edition final against New Zealand in 2021. 

Harbhajan Singh's predicted playing XI

Harbhajan Singh has picked Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma as preferred openers. Along with captain Rohit, Shubman will get an opportunity as the opener. In the middle order, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, and Ajinya Rahane will take charge in Harbhajan’s predicted eleven. He has picked Ravindra Jadeja as an all-rounder and KS Bharat as a wicketkeeper. For 2nd spinner choice or an extra pacer choice, Harbhajan has suggested management look out for conditions before going in. In terms of clear weather, an extra spinner in R Ashwin along with Jadeja should go. Shardul Thakur should play in case of overcast and green pitch conditions. 

Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Umesh Yadav are three pacers in Harbhajan’s predicted xi. There are two positions, team India will have to discuss. One is the wicketkeeper and another is whether they will go with an extra pacer or an extra spinner. Team India’s selection will depend upon how the weather conditions play out and what wicket both teams get to play on for 5 days. As of now, the weather looks clear at The Oval from 7th to 11th June for WTC Final. India is empty-handed in the big ICC tournaments after the 2013 Champions Trophy in England. 

Harbhajan Singh’s Predicted Playing XI

Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Ravindra Jadeja, KS Bharat (wk), Shardul Thakur / R. Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav