“Any of the 15 can play,” he said, “the opportunity is [there] for everyone. We will assess the pitch properly today and then tomorrow as well. Twelve-thirteen are fixed, but we just have to see how the pitch looks tomorrow morning. Have to see what our strengths are and what their weaknesses are.”
Rohit said the pitch for the Pakistan match had looked a “lot more tired than this one”, which had some grass on it. “From my understanding, it’s going to be slightly on the slow side,” he said on the eve of the final. “But we will come and assess tomorrow. It’s not going to change too much but it’s always nice to see the pitch on the day of the game and assess what you want to do. That is something we have maintained for a long time, it’s not new for us, and it’s something we have done. Come and assess the pitch on the day of the game.”
Dew is a factor that India would have to consider if they are thinking about a three-spinner attack, because if Ashwin replaces Mohammed Siraj, they will have only two specialist quicks – Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. Hardik Pandya, now injured, was the third seamer when Ashwin played the league game against Australia.
“Don’t know how much of a factor dew will be”, Rohit said. “In the Pakistan game, the day before the game, there was a lot of dew, but none during the game. That’s why I keep saying the toss is not going to be a factor. Got to play well regardless of conditions.”