WTC Final 2023: Ishan Kishan To Replace Injured KL Rahul, Three Standby Players Announced By BCCI

Ishan Kishan was previously part of the Test squad during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the selection of Ishan Kishan as the replacement for the injured KL Rahul in the Indian cricket team. Kishan, who was previously a part of the Test squad during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, has been called upon to fill the void left by Rahul's absence.

In addition, the BCCI has designated Suryakumar Yadav, Riuturaj Gaikwad, and Mukesh Kumar as the official standby players for the team participating in the final scheduled at Kennington Oval, London, from June 7 to 11.

KL Rahul suffered a right upper thigh injury during IPL 2023 match between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore on May 1. BCCI said as per consultations with specialists it has been determined that Rahul will undergo surgery followed by rehabilitation. Consequently, he will not be able to participate in the upcoming ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia.

Other Injured Players

Jaydev Unadkat, the left-arm fast bowler, suffered a left shoulder injury while bowling in the nets after tripping over the side rope. He is currently undergoing strength and rehabilitation sessions for his shoulder at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. A decision regarding his availability for the WTC final will be made at a later stage, following consultation with specialists.

Umesh Yadav, the fast bowler, sustained a minor left hamstring injury during IPL 2023 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders on April 26. He is currently receiving treatment from the Kolkata Knight Riders Medical Team and has commenced low-intensity bowling as part of his rehabilitation process. 

The BCCI Medical Team is in regular communication with the KKR Medical Team and closely monitoring Umesh's progress.

WTC Final 2023 Squad

The Indian squad for the WTC final consists of Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, KS Bharat (wicket-keeper), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, and Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper). Additionally, the standby players for the squad are Ruturaj Gaikwad, Mukesh Kumar, and Suryakumar Yadav.