'Our batsmen do not want to be exposed' - Farokh Engineer's shocking statement on India's decision to bowl first in WTC 2023 Final

The second edition of the 2023 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and Australia is already underway at The Oval in London. India skipper Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to field first in the marquee event. 

Former India keeper-batter Farokh Engineer criticised team India's decision to opt to bowl first. He said that the decision surprised him, arguing that the Indian batters did not want to bat first and not be exposed to the Australian bowling attack. 

"India winning the toss, the decision (to bowl first) is a bit surprising but I think the decision was taken because our batsmen do not want to be exposed to the Australian attack on a fresh green track," Engineer was quoted as saying by News 18.

The 85-year-old also said that Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj will be crucial for the Rohit Sharma-led side. He believes Cheteshwar Pujara will be the key batter of team India while Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill will also perform well. 

"We are hopeful, Mohd Shami & Siraj are effective. I think they will be effective. It’s a bold decision…He (Cheteshwar Pujara) is a key member of the side. So are Virat and Shubman Gill, we have a very good batting lineup. It’s a very good all-round side," he added.

It is tough to leave Ashwin out: Rohit

Given the pitch's conditions, team India decided to bench veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. India picked a lone spinner in Ravindra Jadeja, while KS Bharat retained his place as the wicketkeeper ahead of Ishan Kishan.

“It is tough to leave Ashwin out. He has been a match-winner for us, it is not a great occasion to leave him out, but you have got to do what is best for the team in the given conditions," the India skipper said at the toss.