Harbhajan Singh Prefers KS Bharat Over Ishan Kishan, Mohammed Kaif Reveals His India’s Playing XI for WTC Final

Former India cricketers Harbhajan Singh and Mohammad Kaif, in a recent interview with broadcaster Star Sports, opened up on the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and Australia, which will take place at The Oval from June 7. Harbhajan Singh said he prefers KS Bharath over Ishan Kishan in the starting eleven, citing the former’s consistent performances in Tests and stressing on the importance of experience in wicketkeeping. Meanwhile, Mohammad Kaif, however, feels that Ishan Kishan can help India in the batting role to deliver aggressive shots at number six.

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Speaking exclusively to Star Sports, former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh said that he would prefer KS Bharath over Ishan Kishan for the WTC final as he has been the more consistent performer in Tests.

“No, I don’t think he (Kishan) should be there in the starting 11 because KS Bharath has been playing consistently for a while now. If it was Wriddhiman Saha, I would have considered playing him as he has more experience and is a better keeper. If KL Rahul was fit, I would have played him at No.5 or 6 as he is a proper opener and can keep well,” Harbhajan said.

Harbhajan also revealed what the bowling attack should be like for the World Test Championship final, saying: “It all depends on what the pitch is saying, if the pitch has less grass and the sun is out, Play with two spinners. If not that then play three fast bowlers with Shardul Thakur and Ravindra Jadeja, who will not only bowl but also contribute with the bat.”

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Mohammad Kaif gives us his starting XI for the WTC final.

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

“At number seven I will play Jadeja and at eight I will play either Ashwin or Shardul, depending on pitch conditions, and if the pitch is spin-friendly then Ashwin can target left-handers like Warner, Travis Head and Khawaja. So it will be a good combination. I will go with fast bowlers Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj and Umesh Yadav at number 11,” Kaif added.

ICC World Test Championship, India vs Australia, June 7-11, 2023 will be live and exclusive on Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar.