Ahead of the inaugural World Test Championship final, we select a probable India XI that could take on New Zealand in the final in Southampton next month.

While most of the line-up picks itself based on their performances through the two-year WTC cycle, there’s still debate over certain spots, especially with a full-strength squad at their disposal. The opening combination is a question, while picking one spinner or two is also a legitimate debate, so is the final look of the pace attack.

Numbers represent World Test Championship statistics since August 1, 2019

Probable India XI for the World Test Championship (WTC) final

Rohit Sharma

1,030 runs @ 64.37, 4 100s, 2 50s, HS: 212

At 34, Rohit is finally figuring out Test cricket. Replenished with a newfound hunger to pile on the runs while carrying his patented grace and finesse, Rohit’s contribution up top could really set the tone for India’s all-important clash against the Blackcaps.

Shubman Gill

378 runs @ 34.36, 3 50s, HS: 91

Edging out Mayank Agarwal, Gill is likely to continue his partnership with Rohit, even though there could be pangs of self-doubt after a string of low scores against England (one fifty in seven innings), and the IPL that followed. When on song, Gill is a delight to watch, and a return to red-ball cricket could bring him back to his old ways.

Cheteshwar Pujara

818 runs @ 29.21, 9 50s, HS: 81

India’s gladiator at three, Pujara’s gritty style became a rage when he absorbed Australia’s bouncer assault on the last day of the series. He’s arguably India’s most important batsman – if he fires the way he does, the team’s unlikely to lose the game at the least. It’s been a while since he went big though – his last century was 28 innings ago – and there will be no bigger stage for him to roar back to form.

Virat Kohli (c)

877 runs @ 43.85, 2 100s, 5 50s, HS: 254*

Kohli, too, is suffering from a statistical lull, with no international century in a year and a half. Yet, he strung together two of his finest sub-100 knocks in the England series, and is known to be someone who really rises to a challenge. Against New Zealand, he averages 51.33 with three centuries – a fourth one could take India much closer to the crown.

Ajinkya Rahane

1,095 runs @ 43.80, 3 100s, 6 50s, HS: 115

The out-of-form Rahane is probably India’s biggest worry, and a failure here could really damage his career. It’s also his biggest opportunity to find himself again, and bring a stop to the rut – he has just one fifty since his Melbourne ton. Rahane is still one of India’s most trusted overseas performers (average 44.44) and can play a steady hand if quick wickets fall.

Rishabh Pant (wk)

662 runs @ 41.37, 1 100, 4 50s, HS: 101, 35 catches, 5 stumpings

The trendsetting keeper is the heartbeat of India’s middle-order and has proved to be the reason behind some of the side’s memorable wins in recent times. Armed with the ability to slay any bowling attack, and turn around matches from nowhere, Pant’s Test career is driving on a wave of confidence, with four 80+ scores this year already.

Ravindra Jadeja

28 wickets @ 28.77, BBI: 4-62; 469 runs @ 58.62, 5 50s, HS: 91

If there’s one player who can single-handedly lead India to the mace, it’s undoubtedly Jadeja. A once-in-a-generation cricketer, Jadeja’s dream run was halted by injury in Australia – since 2019, Jadeja averages 29 with the ball and 61 with the bat. If he hits the right notes from the get-go, it could well be Jadeja v New Zealand.

Ravichandran Ashwin

67 wickets @ 20.88, BBI: 7-145

New Zealand’s left-handers will be really wary of his attacking lengths. While he’s been his usual prolific self at home, Ashwin has, in recent times, adapted himself well to overseas terrains too, and proved in Australia how he’s a handful even on tracks that aren’t spin-friendly. As a bonus, his batting form has picked up too, helping extend the team’s lower order.

Mohammed Siraj

16 wickets @ 28.25, BBI: 5-73

It will be a toss up between Siraj’s flair and Ishant Sharma’s experience, but in a one-match final, Siraj could be the X-factor India need to go over the line. In Australia, Siraj was a revelation, mixing his attacking style of bowling with immense control and troubling batsmen with his nagging lines.

Mohammed Shami

36 wickets @ 19.77, BBI: 5-35

Fitter, quicker and just as threatening, Shami 2.0 has been a key feature of India’s Test success in the last half-a-decade, and forms an essential part of this line-up as well. Armed with the ability to swing the ball appreciably, and a proven exponent of reverse swing, the trusted Shami can always be called on to ‘make things happen’ in a match.

Jasprit Bumrah

34 wickets @ 22.41, BBI: 6-27

The final piece in India’s bowling attack, and arguably the most crucial one at that, Bumrah’s form will be elemental in India’s pressing home the advantage early. It isn’t just his suffocating lines, Bumrah thrives in challenging circumstances and is an expert at breaking through partnerships. On English pitches, he’s already proved his worth on India’s last visit, picking 14 wickets @ 25.92.

You can pick your own India XI for the World Test Championship final here.

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