‘Three seamers and Jadeja if…’ – Harbhajan Singh picks bowling combination ahead of WTC Final against Australia

In a recent interview with Star Sports, former Indian cricketers Harbhajan Singh and Mohammed Kaif shared their views on the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) Final between India and Australia. Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh revealed in an exclusive interview with Star Sports that KS Bharat has been a more reliable performer in Tests, making him his first choice to face Ishan Kishan in the WTC Final.

“No, I don’t think he (Kishan) should be in the starting 11 because KS Bharat has been playing consistently for some time. If it was Wriddhiman Saha, then I would consider playing him because he has more experience and is a better keeper. If KL Rahul was fit, I would have played him instead, at number 5 or 6, because he is a proper opener and he could keep as well,” Harbhajan was quoted as saying on Star Sports.

The former Indian off-spinner continued by sharing his thoughts on the bowling lineup for the WTC Final. “This all depends on what the pitch is saying, if the pitch has lesser grass and the sun is out, then play with two spinners. If that is not the case then play three seamers and Ravindra Jadeja, along with Shardul Thakur who will not only bowl but contribute with the bat as well,” the 42-year-old asserted.

At seven, I will play Jadeja and at eight I would either play Ashwin or Shardul: Harbhajan Singh 

Mohammed Kaif, meanwhile, gave his suggestion for starting eleven, which had Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma as the openers and Ishan Kishan in a batting role to give an attacking approach at number six. These expert evaluations, which provide differing viewpoints on team selection and the bowling approach, heighten interest in the eagerly anticipated WTC Final.

“For the World Test Championship, the openers should be Shubhman Gill and Rohit Sharma, followed by Pujara who plays at number three and has experience there. At number four would be Virat Kohli followed by Rahane who makes his return to the team. I would play Ishan Kishan over KS Bharat because you would want someone to play attacking shots at number six, because the ball is old and Rishabh Pant used to play that role,” the former India batter stated.

“At seven, I will play Jadeja and at eight I would either play Ashwin or Shardul, depending on the pitch conditions, and if the pitch suits spin then Ashwin can target the left-handed batsmen like Warner, Travis Head and Khawaja, so it will be a good match up. I would take fast bowlers Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj followed by Umesh Yadav at number 11. This would be my preferred playing 11 because it’s early June, you will need three fast bowlers plus Jadeja and Ashwin or Shardul, depending on the forecast,” the 42-year-old opined.