Ishan Kishan Replaces KL Rahul in India’s Squad for the WTC Final

In a significant blow to the Indian team, the talented wicket-keeper batsman KL Rahul has been ruled out of the highly anticipated World Test Championship (WTC) final. However, the All-India Senior Selection Committee has appointed Ishan Kishan as his replacement, and standby players Suryakumar Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, and Ruturaj Gaikwad have been added to the squad to provide depth and flexibility.

Meanwhile, Jaydev Unadkat, the skillful left-arm pacer who has been sidelined due to a shoulder injury, is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the prestigious National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. The selection committee will take a call on whether to include him in the squad for the WTC final after evaluating his progress.

Adding to India’s injury woes is the absence of Umesh Yadav, the fast bowler from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who has been struggling with a hamstring injury. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued a statement on his condition, but it remains uncertain whether he will regain fitness in time for the highly anticipated clash against Australia.

Rahul Ruled Out with Injury

“KL Rahul suffered an injury to his right upper thigh while fielding during Match 43rd of TATA IPL 2023 between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore on 1st May. After consultations with specialists, it has been decided that Rahul will undergo surgery at the earliest followed by rehab at the National Cricket Academy for the same. He is ruled out of the upcoming ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia,” stated a BCCI release.

Unadkat, Umesh Remain Doubtful

“Jaydev Unadkat sustained a left shoulder injury by tripping over the side rope while bowling in the nets. A specialist consultation has been sought and the left-arm fast bowler is currently at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru undergoing strength and rehab sessions for his shoulder. A decision on his participation in the WTC final will be taken at a later stage,” added the release.

“Umesh Yadav sustained a minor left hamstring injury during Match 36 of TATA IPL 2023 between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on 26 April. The fast bowler is currently under the care of the KKR Medical Team and has started low-intensity bowling as part of his rehab process. The BCCI Medical Team is in regular touch with KKR Medical Team and is closely monitoring Umesh’s progress,” the release further said.

Amid much anticipation, the World Test Championship Final is set to unfold on June 7, with a clash of titans between India and Australia. These two teams, being the top performers in the latest ICC tournament, are geared up to give their all in pursuit of the coveted trophy, which has remained elusive to them until now.

India’s Updated squad for the WTC final: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, KS Bharat (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, Ishan Kishan (wk).

Standby players: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Mukesh Kumar, Suryakumar Yadav.