IND vs AUS World Cup 2023 Final: Did Rohit Sharma Hint At Using This BRAHMASTRA Against Australia?

Team India is set to take on old nemesis Australia in the highly-anticipated ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday (November 19).

The Men in Blue, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, have been a team to beat as they are unbeaten in ten games in the global extravaganza. Pat Cummins-led Australia are also on a roll as the five-time world champions, who are looking to win their record-extending sixth title, will pose a massive threat to the hosts.

IND vs AUS CWC 2023 Final: Teams Are Ready

While there is a school of thought that believes Team India shouldn't make any changes to their playing eleven and continue with the winning combination. However, there are also those who feel the Indian team management should go for horses for the courses kind of attitude and include senior off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin in the big finale.

Ashwin played against Australia in their tournament opener in Chennai, which Team India won by six wickets to kickstart their campaign on a dominant note. Ashwin - who is known as Australia's nemesis due to his knack for picking up wickets - was at this economical best in the game and returned with superb figures of 10-1-34-1.

Ashwin - Australia's Nemesis

As the Australian batting line-up has quite a few left-handed batters, the premier off-spinner can be a major addition to India's playing eleven, believes a section of experts.

The 37-year-old war horse - who is known for his tough mental fortitude - has been practicing rigorously with his teammates in the nets to ensure he's match-ready whenever the team requires him. He was spotted bowling and batting in the nets on Friday (November 17), which further fanned the speculation if he was going to play.

When Rohit was asked at the pre-match press conference if he intended to include Ashwin in the Playing 11 against Australia, the captain kept everyone guessing and said all 15 members in the squad are capable of getting included in the Playing 11 and a final call would be taken in the morning.

Asked if he is planning to go with three spinners [Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Ashwin] in the grand finale, Rohit said, "No, look, we haven't decided anything yet. But anyone from 15 can play. Opportunity is for everyone. We will assess the wicket today and tomorrow and decide. We have 12-13 players fixed.

"We will have to see how the wicket looks tomorrow, and what it is, what our strength is, what their weakness can be. So, we have to look at all this. We haven't taken any decision as to what will happen to our 11 players. But I want all the boys to be available and then we will decide who to play tomorrow."