The Board of Control for
Cricket in India on Tuesday evening has announced the final 15 member squad for
the World Test Championship (WTC) final which is commencing on June 18.
However, the Indian team has landed in England with a 20-member squad but 5 names have missed to reserve their spot in the series.
In the latest squad, Virat Kohli will lead the team against New Zealand in Southampton while Ajinkya Rahane will be on the second spot to Kohli.
In a massive blow, the BCCI has decided to keep fast-bowlers Mayank Aggarwal and Shardul Thakur out of the series for the England tour. While on their, fast bowler Mohammed Siraj, senior pacer Umesh Yadav, and middle-order batsmen Hanuman Vihari get the entry into the squad.
In the match against New Zealand, Rohit Sharma aka Hitman along with Shubham Gill will open the match just like they did in Australia. This clearly misses out on another name i.e. KL Rahul.
It however means that Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Mayank, and Rahul have been dropped out to play for the WTC.
It may be noted here, with the latest team announcement, 3 pacers and two spinners are likely to make it to the playing 11. Wrddohiman Saha is least likely to join the playing 11 however, he has managed to find a place in the squad as a backup wicketkeeper to Rishabh Pant.
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Pertinently, the BCCI announced India's squad a few hours after New Zealand named their final 15 for the WTC Final.
Meet India's 15 member squad: Virat Kohli (captain), Ajinkya Rahane (vice-captain), Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Hanuma Vihari, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Wriddhiman Saha (wicketkeeper), Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Siraj.
Meet New Zealand's 15 member squad: Kane Williamson (c), Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Devon Conway, Colin de Grandhomme, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling, Will Young.