The excitement for the ICC WTC final is building. Both teams have reached the Oval and are putting in hard yards for the game. It’s fair to say they have a reasonable amount of time to prepare, and the teams will be roaring when the game comes. With English conditions, it’ll be an extremely challenging contest for both. 

India hasn't won a title in an International Cricket Council tournament since they won the Champions Trophy in England in 2013, which can be interpreted in one of two ways: either they haven't been able to conquer their knockout hoodoo, or they have been consistent enough to make it to the finals of nearly every competition over the past ten years.

Except for the mishap in the UAE desert in 2021, when they could not get past the group stage of the T20 World Cup, India's resume over the previous ten years could have been much better. They lost at the same stage in the 50-over World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in 2015 and the T20 World Cup final in Bangladesh in 2014.

It is improbable that this persistent inability to make the decisive move won't affect the Indian people's psyche as they get ready to launch another assault on the WTC trophy. There isn't much the sides don't know about one another, but in a one-off game with so much on the line, familiarity can only count for so much. They will go up against old rivals Australia in the final, which begins at The Oval in London on June 7.

Formidable Batting Form

The recall of Ajinkya Rahane to the Test set-up after nearly 17 months on the sidelines means the old firm of Pujara, who has been gearing up for the series with a stint with Sussex in the English County Championship, Virat Kohli and the returning Mumbaikar have been reunited. Along with Rohit, they provide steel and experience. At the same time, the irrepressible Shubman Gill, with eight centuries in the first five months of 2023 across all formats, looms as an imperious, majestic figure with a point to prove in England. 

While it is true that most Indian players did improve their red-ball technique even during IPL practice sessions, their primary attention would have been on the task at hand at the time. As a result, the squad's week together in England takes on additional significance because it gives them a chance to practice together, reacquaint themselves with the red Dukes ball, and figure out how to stop the full-strength Australian juggernaut.

The Miyan- Lala Duo

The title of Test Championship depends not only on the strength of the batters. Bowlers also have a significant role in this. This includes Mohammed Shami, who will be essential in getting the Australian team out. Talking about his performance in IPL, he has taken 28 wickets in 17 matches.

On the other hand, the other bowler for whom Team India will have the most hope is Mohammad Siraj. Mohammed Siraj has taken 19 wickets in his 14 matches in the IPL this year, his wickets may be less visible, but he is known for taking quick wickets. If these four players do their job and play well in the WTC final, then understand that another ICC title is not far away. Not to forget, Siraj has also been on top of his bowling form in 2023. He also topped the charts for being the best ODI bowler earlier this year. 

Pujara Playing County & Rahane Shines in IPL

Apart from the form of the three mainstays of the team, Cheteshwar Pujara playing county cricket and Ajinkya Rahane finding his mojo back in the IPL would be an added advantage. In his eight innings, Pujara scored three centuries for Sussex, announcing his ability to play in the swinging conditions of England. Rahane looked fearless and attacking in his stint in the IPL, scoring 326 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 172. 

More than form, Rahane’s mindset would matter on the ground. He doesn’t seem to fear losing his place on the Test side, which is more important. Pujara is always in form, and he looks in great touch anyway. Thus, these two old warhorses could be of great aid to India this time around.