This is the combination Team India needs in WTC final, says Dinesh Karthik

A few days ago, Dinesh Karthik gave an initial overview of the pitch at The Oval, sparking a debate regarding the selection of players for India’s World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia. The focus of the discussion revolves around whether India should include both the spinners, Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin, or rest Ashwin and opt for a fourth seamer.

In addition, there were concerns about India’s batting prowess and their ability to handle Australia’s consistent fast bowlers, especially if the pitch retained its green nature. Karthik expressed confidence that the Indian management might consider picking Umesh Yadav over R Ashwin. This view differed from that of other experts such as Ricky Ponting, who advocated for India to field both spinners.

Acknowledging Ashwin’s impressive performance in the Southampton Test against England last year, Karthik said Umesh has displayed great form during the practice sessions and looks physically fit.

“I enjoyed Ashwin’s bowling at Southampton, but – is the coach going to do the same thing again? I doubt it. Umesh Yadav has bowled well in the nets. He is looking sharp, and feeling good body-wise. I have a strong feeling that he will go with Umesh,” Karthik told Cricbuzz.

Karthik also discussed Virat Kohli’s form in the WTC final, highlighting his recent back-to-back hundreds in IPL 2023. He batted exceptionally well from the start. -Skill towards the end of IPL. His two centuries were phenomenal. Kohli is in scintillating form, and I have no doubt that he will put up a good score,” commented Karthik.

However, Karthik values ​​Cheteshwar Pujara’s role in the batting order more than even Kohli. Pujara entered the final of the County Championship scoring 545 runs including three centuries for Sussex.

“For me, the key to India’s success in the WTC final and their chances of victory lies with Cheteshwar Pujara,” Karthik said.