(Cricket news) The IPL group stage has come to an end after an intense competition. Gujarat Titans, Chennai Super Kings, Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians have qualified for the playoffs. After the end of the tournament the focus shifts to the World Test Championship final where India will take on Australia. Out of the players in the India’s WTC squad Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, KS Bharat, Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Ajinkya Rahane and Mohammed Shami will be playing the IPL play-offs. The others are expected to start practicing in England very soon. As for Australia Cameron Green is the only player who is in the IPL play-offs. 

Virat Kohli has had an incredible IPL tournament and he is looking in great form especially after back to back hundreds against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans. Cheteshwar Pujara has been in really good form playing for Sussex in County cricket. The pair will be very crucial for India in the middle order against the potent Australian attack. Shubman Gill has also had a great IPL while Rohit Sharma is just about picking up some form. The positive of RCB not making it to the playoffs is that Mohammed Siraj will get some rest ahead of the Test. Mohammed Shami on the other hand will not be getting much rest.

Shami will be India’s leader of the attack but he may be burned out after playing all the matches for Gujarat Titans this season. The positive way to look at it is that Shami is looking in brilliant touch which gives him rhythm and confidence. India as of now are not scheduled to play any practice match but they are likely to play an intra squad match to get used to the conditions. The biggest challenge will be to shift from white ball to red ball quickly.

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