Rohit Sharma Reveals the Reason Behind R Ashwin’s Exclusion from WTC Final: “It’s Always Tough…

India’s Rohit Sharma Opts to Bowl in WTC Final Against Australia, Justifies Exclusion of Ashwin Due to Overcast Conditions

Southampton, England: The stage was set for an epic clash as India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, won the toss and made the decision to field first against Australia in the highly anticipated World Test Championship (WTC) final. In a surprising move, the Indian team, under the guidance of coach Rahul Dravid, opted for a formidable four-pronged pace attack, leaving out the experienced off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin in favor of all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. The wicketkeeping duties were entrusted to KS Bharat over young talent Ishan Kishan. Additionally, Ajinkya Rahane marked his return to the side after an absence of nearly 18 months. Spearheaded by the trio of Mohammad Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Umesh Yadav, the Indian pace battery was further reinforced by the inclusion of Shardul Thakur. (WTC Final Day 1 Live Updates)

Explaining the decision at the toss, Rohit Sharma cited the prevailing overcast conditions as the key factor behind his choice to omit Ravichandran Ashwin. “We are going to bowl. Just the conditions and also the weather being overcast. I don’t think the pitch will change too much. You have to play good cricket and come out on top. Four seamers and one spinner. The spinner is Jadeja. It’s always tough (to leave Ashwin), he’s been a match-winner for us over the course of so many years. But you have to do the things that are needed for the team, and eventually, we came up with that decision. He (Rahane) brings a lot of experience, he’s played 80-odd Test matches and he’s done well for the team. He’s been out for a while, but I don’t think the experience that he has can change all of that,” Rohit explained.

Meanwhile, Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, expressed his contentment with the toss outcome, stating that his team would have also chosen to bowl first. He emphasized the importance of the fourth and fifth days, expressing hope for some spin on a pitch that offered a bit of grass. Cummins also highlighted his team’s positive preparations, including their 10-day stay, favorable weather conditions, and uninterrupted training sessions.

With the opening day of the highly anticipated WTC final underway, all eyes were on the thrilling battle unfolding between these cricketing powerhouses, as they vied for the ultimate glory in Test cricket.