India mapping the plan to fit Mohammed Siraj in the WTC Final XI

The high-profile contest between India and Ne Zealand is all set to get underway on June 18. Ahead of the WTC final, Indian players who are quarantining at Southampton, have started their training sessions. Players have been allowed to indulge in practice sessions in the group of three to four before the soft quarantine period gets over. Going ahead, there will be some selection headaches for the tea, as they step up on the big day.

When the entire team would get up for practice, it will be an audition for pacers and Mohammed Siraj will be the focal point of the same. It can be said that management is willing to have Siraj in the team but it’s going to be a tough call owing to the availability of seasoned pacers. Since 2019’s tour of the West Indies, it is for the first time that all, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah are available for selection.

It has been learned that management is willing to rope in Siraj in the XI anyhow but it would be difficult for the team to settle him. Ishant might be asked to rest in that case owing to his ankle injury earlier this year which might have affected his body. The point at this time is the selection of the pacer who can bowl long spells without letting the intensity drop.

Ishant’s age and injury might give a nod to Mohammed Siraj

Ishant’s age has also been a point that is crossing the mind of selectors as he will turn 33 this tour. Also, if it is felt that if Siraj would hit the right areas during the training session, he would become the ultimate pick ahead of Ishant. Now, it will be a thing to see which team combination will India walk up with to keep their foot strong in the marquee event.

It was only a few days back that leaked audio from Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri’s virtual press conference hinted at the inclusion of Siraj in the XI of the WTC final squad.