/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24016885/STK093_Google_04.jpg)
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24808816/Starfield__The_Settled_Systems___Supra_Et_Ultra_____Starfield__The_Settled_Systems___Supra_Et_Ultra_2023_7_25_94252.263_1440p_streamshot.png)
Virat Kohli’s dream of a successful IPL season was once again shattered as Royal Challengers Bangalore suffered a dismal finish in the points table. The team’s performance mirrored their last-place finish in 2019, leaving Kohli empty-handed in his 16th IPL campaign. However, Kohli’s focus has now shifted to the World Test Championship where he has a chance to make amends for India’s defeat in the 2021 final against New Zealand. According to Sportstar, with the conclusion of the IPL, Kohli and seven other Indian players including RCB teammate Mohammed Siraj will head to England to prepare for the crucial clash against Australia at The Oval.
Kohli and Siraj will be accompanied by spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Akshar Patel, all-rounder Shardul Thakur and fast bowlers Umesh Yadav and Jaydev Unadkat on the flight to England. Umesh and Unadkat, who were sidelined with injuries during the IPL 2023 season, have successfully cleared the fitness test at the National Cricket Academy. Mukesh Kumar, who is on the reserve list, has also joined the first batch of Indian players to leave for England. Additionally, India have picked three net bowlers – Aniket Choudhary, Akash Deep and Yara Prithviraj – to assist during the WTC final.
,
Back to back hundreds for Virat Kohli #TATAIPL 2023 ____
accept praise #RCBvGT , @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/p1WVOiGhbO– Indian Premier League (@IPL) May 21, 2023
Cheteshwar Pujara, who has been in fine form playing county cricket for Sussex, is already in England. He will be joined by Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shubman Gill, Mohammed Shami, KS Bharat and Ajinkya Rahane, who will join the squad after completing their IPL commitments.
Unlike most of the Indian players involved in the two-month long IPL season, only three Australian players bound for the WTC final participated in the league. Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting said this disparity could give the Australians a mental advantage over the Indians.
India’s upcoming WTC final appearance is their second entry in the prestigious event. In the 2021 final at Lord’s, they lost against Kane Williamson’s New Zealand. A win in the final would not only provide redemption but also secure India’s first ICC trophy since their triumph in the 2013 Champions Trophy under the captaincy of MS Dhoni.
