'What is the priority? India or franchise cricket?' - Ravi Shastri slams Indian cricketers after their horrible batting performance in WTC 2023 final

In the World Test Championship (WTC) final on Thursday at The Oval, Australia amassed 469 runs in their opening innings before reducing India to 151-5. However, India's star-studded top order failed, and Australia appeared to be heading for a commanding first-innings advantage. At the conclusion of the second day, the Kangaroos had a 296-run lead.

Meanwhile, former India head coach Ravi Shastri lambasted the Indian batters with a remark on the Indian Premier League for their poor batting display in the first innings. He said that the players should set their priorities first and if their priorities are franchise cricket then they should forget WTC.

“You must set your priorities, right? What is the priority? India or franchise cricket? You have to decide that. If you say franchise cricket, then forget this (WTC final). If this is important, then as the custodian of the sport, the Indian cricket board are the boss. There should be a clause in the IPL contract that if they need a player out of the IPL in the interest of India, they have the right to do it.”

“First, put the clause and then ask the franchises to decide how much they want to invest. That is very important. You are the custodian of the sport. You control cricket in the country," he added.

We know funny things can happen: Ajinkya Rahane

Talking about India’s batting performance, no other batters except Ajinkya Rahane, Ravindra Jadeja, and Shardul Thakur could score. Rahane stitched some important partnerships with Jadeja and Thakur but missed his well-deserved century by 11 runs. He was dismissed on the score of 89 runs.

“Painful but quite manageable (blow to his finger). Don’t think it’ll affect batting. Happy with the way I batted. Had a good today. We were looking to get 320-330 but overall we had a good day. Bowling wise we bowled well. Everyone chipped in. That was a really good catch. We all know he’s a really good fielder. Has a big reach,” Rahane said after Day 3.

“Australia is slightly ahead in the game. For us, it’s important to be in the moment, play session by session. The first hour will be crucial tomorrow. We know funny things can happen. Jadeja bowled really well, footmarks helped him against the left-hander. Still feel a wicket will help seam bowlers,” Rahane added.