WTC final: Mohammad Siraj and Mohammed Shami to be used, indicate Kohli and Shastri in leaked audio clip

Mohammed Siraj could be guaranteed a place in India’s playing XI for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final against New Zealand, if a leaked conversation between captain Virat Kohli and head coach Ravi Shastri is to be believed.

Kohli and Shastri seemed to be discussing New Zealand’s team composition and India’s plans for them before the start of their virtual press conference on Wednesday before the team left for England. Kohli indicated that India could be using Siraj and Mohammed Shami together for the game.

“Apne bhi dalwayenge na, Lala (Shami), Siraj, sab round the wicket dalenge (We will get Lala and Siraj to bowl round the wicket),” Kohli could be heard telling Shastri, seemingly unaware that the audio had gone live.

Do check it out cricket fans #WTCFinal
I am sure Siraj is playing nowhttps://t.co/EFXZY3uICJ

— Mr. Stark (@twt_debo) June 3, 2021

The WTC final will be held at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton from June 18 to 22. This is the first edition of the final and Kohli said in the press conference that while the match will be a challenge, the team will take it as a chance to enjoy all they have done in the past few years to get to this stage.

“WTC final will be challenging for the team. But it’s time to enjoy what we’ve has done in past years. There’s no pressure on me and there won’t be in the future. It’s the final, so it’s time to enjoy it,” said Kohli.

“It’s a great opportunity to reflect and relax. Just for the guys to roam around freely, considering that we will have a five-Test series coming. It will give us time to regroup and that is required before an important series like this,” said Kohli when asked about the long gap between the WTC final and the five-match Test series against England.