Probable India’s playing XI in the World Test Championship (WTC) final

8. Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin is the premier off-spinner of the Indian national Test team. Not long ago, the veteran cricketer scripted history by becoming the second-fastest bowler after Muttiah Muralitharan to take 400 wickets in the longest format of the game.

The experienced campaigner showcased his mettle when he took 34 wickets this year at a superb bowling average of 18.82. Apart from his bowling, he also made useful contributions with the bat. When the team required Ashwin to stay at the crease against Australia in Sydney, he scored an unbeaten 39 off 128 balls.

Ashwin’s fabulous innings helped India secure a pulsating draw. The veteran cricketer brought the best out of himself in the second Test against England in his hometown Chennai by scoring 106 off 148 balls to help India beat England by 317 runs. He will be looking forward to performing well against New Zealand in the World Test Championship.

9. Ishant Sharma

Ishant Sharma is one of the experienced pacers in the Indian cricket team. The lanky pacer has often helped India take crucial wickets in important phases of the game. He has featured in 101 Tests for the Indian team where he took 303 wickets at an average of 32.27. 

The 32-year-old has taken 10 four-wicket hauls and 11 five-wicket hauls in the longest format of the game. The lanky pacer has the advantage of getting extra bounce off the surface and can even unsettle the batsmen, especially in seaming conditions.

Ishant registered his best bowling figures of 7/74. With Southampton (England) being the preferred venue for the WTC final, it is no doubt that he will be looking for success in the high-voltage clash.