Ahead of the much-awaited WTC final clash between Australia and India, the Indian team will play an intra-squad match. BCCI decided to host an Intra squad game instead of a practice match. This match will help the team asses the English conditions.
Some key players of the Indian contingent are still busy in the Indian Premier League including the captain Rohit Sharma. All Indian players will be available on the 1st of June on English soil for the showpiece clash.
India to field two teams in a practice game ahead of the WTC Final, reports
As per reports, an intra-squad match will be played in the wake of preparation for the mega match. This match will give chance to all the players to showcase their skills. Rohit Sharma, and Ishan Kishan may not be available due to IPL. BCCI may name a separate set of players who can join WTC squad in England to play the practice game. India had did this ahead of WTC 2021 final too.
Few Indian players will be unavailable as the IPL 2023 playoffs are taking place
Players including Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Mohammad Shami, Ajinkya Rahane, and Ravindra Jadeja are still competing in the IPL 2023 playoffs. Whereas the majority of the Indian players including Mohammad Siraj, Axar Patel, and Shardul Thakur have already touched down in England.
As per the reports, players are going to fly in batches for the marquee event. The first batch has already arrived in England for the practice sessions.
While the experienced Indian top-order batsman Chetshwar Pujara is already in England playing County Championship. Pujara is playing in the championship along with the pillars of the Australian batting order Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne.
Virat Kohli and R Ashwin are set to fly later
The former Indian skipper and R Ashwin have decided not to travel with the first batch of the Indian contingent despite their teams being knocked out of the IPL 2023. However, coach Rahul Dravid and support staff arrived at the English capital on Tuesday.
Reports are suggesting that Virat and Ashwin will now travel with the full squad on 30th May after wrapping up the IPL final on 28th May.
The travel will be made almost every day from 23rd May to 30th May as the Indian team is setting up their all gear over there.
India and Australia will play the WTC Final 2023 at the Oval starting on 7 June
The Indian team will look to complete the unfinished job of last time when they lost the WTC final to New Zealand at Southampton. Furthermore, the Indian team is planning to arrange a similar sort of intra-squad game for the practice.
Indian team is also yet to decide their playing 11 as there are many players who are not available due to injuries. The Intra squad game will be vital for the selectors to decide the 11.