Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar is of the opinion that the Virat Kohl-led side should play both R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja in the final XI as the spinners might get some help as the match progresses during the final of the inaugural World Test Championship against New Zealand in Southampton beginning on June 18.
“In Southampton, it’s been boiling hot over the last few days so the pitch will definitely be dry and help spin as the match progresses, so yes both Ashwin and Jadeja will play,” Gavaskar told PTI in an exclusive interview.
Gavaskar further added that both the players would provide depth in the batting as well. “That (Ashwin and Jadeja together) also gives depth to the batting as well as give a fine balance to the bowling attack. For the series later (vs England) much will depend on the weather and pitch conditions,” he said.
The Indian team recently announced the 15-man squad for the WTC final. Shardul Thakur and Mayank Agarwal didn’t find a place for themselves in the side.
Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma would be opening the innings for India while Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Siraj form the pace attack.
India made a cut into the WTC final after beating Australia 2-1 in a four-match series away from home while thumped England 3-1 in a four-Test bilateral tie on home soil.