Team India is in a tricky spot heading into the Reserve Day of the World Test Championship final but former Indian all-rounder, Irfan Pathan believes Virat Kohli and his men will play an aggressive brand of cricket if they see off the New Zealand pace threat in the first hour on Wednesday. Irfan said Virat is an aggressive captain and he likes to go for the win but India will play the situation at least in the first hour of play on the Reserve Day.
India headed to Stumps on Day 5 with a 32-run lead but they lost their openers towards the close of play. The Indian team will have to make a few bold calls if they are to force a result in their favor. With only 98 overs of play possible on the final day of the historic Test, New Zealand has the edge as they need only 8 wickets, while India has to set a target and then bowl New Zealand out.
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Talking about the same during a chat on Star Sports, Irfan Pathan said, “Look, the first hour will be very crucial. We all know Virat Kohli is a very aggressive captain. He will always go for the kill, always go for the win. It’s also important to understand the situation, New Zealand are slightly ahead. But that one hour in the morning, if we don’t lose more than one wicket, then we will see that aggressive Kohli.”
He further explained, “Pujara will be crucial for the first hour. I see India playing at least 40 odd overs and trying to get as many as possible. If India can get somewhere close to 160-mark, and then they can get New Zealand batting and see if they can take early wickets. But if you see, in this Test, the morning sessions have done a bit when it comes to fast bowling, the ball moving. So once you take that out, the game can be on.”
Meanwhile, Irfan Pathan also said that all 3 results are still possible in the WTC final, however, the chances of India’s win are very bleak while chances of a draw or a New Zealand victory are more.
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Irfan Pathan added, “We have lost so many overs in the game, but still there could be a result. In fact, all 3 results are possible. There could be a win for New Zealand, a win for India which is very difficult, I understand, and a draw.”
