“Our batsmen do not want to be exposed..”: Former Indian great makes a massive comment on Indian batters

The 2023 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final between Australia and India is currently in progress at The Oval in London. Rohit Sharma, the captain of India, chose to field first after winning the toss in the major match. 

Farokh Engineer, a former keeper-batter for India, attacked the team’s decision to choose to bowl first. The Indian batsmen didn’t want to bat first and be exposed to the Australian bowling attack, he claimed, thus the decision astonished him. 

Farokh Engineer said

“India winning the toss, the decision (to bowl first) is a bit surprising but I think the decision was taken because our batsmen do not want to be exposed to the Australian attack on a fresh green track,” Farokh told News18. 

The 85-year-old added that Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj will be essential players for the team coached by Rohit Sharma. He predicts that Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill will both play admirably, with Cheteshwar Pujara serving as team India’s primary batter. 

“We are hopeful, Mohd Shami & Siraj are effective. I think they will be effective. It’s a bold decision…He (Cheteshwar Pujara) is a key member of the side. So are Virat and Shubman Gill, we have a very good batting lineup. It’s a very good all-round side,” he added.

Team India made the decision to leave out seasoned spinner Ravichandran Ashwin due to the state of the field. Ravindra Jadeja was the only spinner chosen by India, while KS Bharat kept the wicket instead of Ishan Kishan.

“It is tough to leave Ashwin out. He has been a match-winner for us, it is not a great occasion to leave him out, but you have got to do what is best for the team in the given conditions,” the India skipper said at the toss.

India are starring at a big total on the board and the decision to bowl first is already backfiring the Indian side. 

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