WTC Final: I will back Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, says VVS Laxman

Former Indian batsman has backed Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill to open the innings in the World Test Championship final against New Zealand. Rohit Sharma has all the experience under his belt and he will look to be at his best to provide a good start to the team.

On the other hand, Shubman Gill made an impressive start to his Test career as he scored 259 runs in three Test matches against Australia. Gill scored a fine knock of 91 runs which helped the Indian team win the historic Test match at the Gabba. However, Gill could only score 119 runs in four Test matches against England in the home conditions.

But the youngster from Punjab scored a good knock of 85 runs in the intra-squad match before the World Test Championship final, which will give weightage to his selection.

“I would back Shubman Gill to open with Rohit Sharma in this match, Mayank has done well, yet I will go with Gill and Rohit,” said Laxman in a virtual press conference organised by Star Sports.

Talking about the reason, he would have Rohit in the side, Laxman said, “Rohit Sharma is a match-winner, but letting go of balls outside the off-stump is something he should work on. Rohit should play Trent Boult with the full face of the bat.”

Laxman feels India will start as favourites as they have played high quality cricket in the last few years in the overseas conditions. India was able to win an emphatic series in Australia.

“India would start favourites because of the cricket they have played in the past few months. The kind of things they have done in Australia would certainly help them,” added the 46-year-old.

Laxman added that he will pick both Ashwin and Jadeja in his playing XI. Both the spinners are the masters of their craft and they will add batting depth to the team.

“I would go with five genuine batsmen, I have a lot of belief in Ashwin and Jadeja. Jadeja at No 7 would be good. A batsman in England needs to remember where their off-stump is. Allow the ball to come close to them and then counter the lateral movement,” said Laxman about the best team combination for India for the WTC final.