Ishan Kishan replaces KL Rahul in WTC Final squad

The BCCI confirmed on Monday that KL Rahul would be replaced in India’s World Test Championship final lineup against Australia by Ishan Kishan. Kishan was already nominated to India’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy team earlier this year, despite not having yet played a Test for his country. But the Southpaw was denied a game. With 48 appearances in First-Class matches, Kishan has scored 2985 runs at an average of 38.76. In his FC career, the left-hander has recorded 99 catches and 11 stumpings. Kishan has scored 293 runs in 10 matches during the current IPL season, averaging 29.30 with two fifties.

Rahul’s thigh ailment will prevent him from playing, therefore Kishan will fill in as the backup wicketkeeper to KS Bharat. The seamers Umesh Yadav and Jaydev Unadkat, who sustained injuries during the current IPL 2023 season, are also on the roster. According to the BCCI, a decision about their participation will be made later.

Unadkat was bowling in the nets for the Lucknow Super Giants when he tripped over the side rope and hurt his left shoulder. Umesh, meanwhile, had a little left hamstring injury while playing for Kolkata Knight Riders.

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Mukesh Kumar, and Suryakumar Yadav have also been picked as India’s stand-by players for the upcoming season. India finished second in the inaugural competition.

Beginning on June 7, the WTC Final will be held at the Oval in London.

India’s squad for WTC final:

Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, KS Bharat (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, Ishan Kishan (wk).