Team India’s focus has shifted to the much-anticipated World Test Championship (WTC) Final, where India will take on Australia at the Oval on June 7. Indian players, who will be playing their second WTC Final, has a golden opportunity to end their trophy drought at the ICC event. The biggest challenge for the Indian players will be to quickly adapt to the English conditions after playing IPL at home for two months.

Most of the players in India’s playing XI are in good form and they will look to continue with that momentum in England. The WTC Final will mark the return of Ajinkya Rahane in the Test side, who has been recalled to the squad after a long wait of 15 months. The top-order batter led Mumbai in Ranji Trophy and was also part of CSK who won the IPL 2023.

Looking at the hard work and the form Rahane has showcased in domestic cricket and IPL, Sunil Gavaskar believes him to be a crucial batter in India’s batting line-up. He has a lot of experience having played in England and scored runs in England. So, yes, I think he is going to be crucial down at number 5, the former legendary cricketer said.

And yes, I do believe he has a point to prove, I still feel he has got plenty of cricket left in him, and this is a wonderful opportunity for him. I’m hoping he will be able to grab this opportunity with all the experience that he has and make a place for him back in the Indian team, Gavaskar concluded.