India are currently in a state of bother in the WTC final against New Zealand. Although Day 1 was washed out, Day 2 started with India being put in to bat first by Kane Williamson. The openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill saw the new ball off and gave India a good start.
They put on a 62-run partnership before both of them were dismissed in the space of 3 overs. Cheteshwar Pujara followed soon and India were in trouble. The skipper Kohli and his deputy Ajinkya Rahane carried the innings forward to 146/3 before bad light put a stop to proceedings early.
The Kiwis made an outstanding comeback on Day 3, with Kyle Jamieson picking up his fifth 5-wicket haul in the WTC. India only managed to add 71 runs to their overnight total, before being bundled out for 217. Tom Latham and Devon Conway then settled the Black Caps’ nerves with a 70-run partnership, before a couple of wickets late in the day set them back a bit.
However, New Zealand finds themselves on top at the moment, with Williamson and Ross Taylor out in the middle. They trail India by 116 runs with 8 wickets in hand and will look to make merry on Day 4.
Although things seem uphill at the moment for India, former Pakistan cricketer Ramiz Raja believes India can make a comeback. Just like how New Zealand were disciplined and held on to catches in the slip cordon, India needs to do the same according to him.
“India should ensure that New Zealand don’t have a big lead. They need to keep up the pressure and take wickets at regular intervals backed by good catching. Virat Kohli needs to have a straight and simple game plan and everyone should be on the same page with defined roles. It will be tough, there will be pressure but it is not impossible and India can make a grand comeback. All is not lost for India and they need to play competitive cricket,” he said.
Ramiz Raja backs India’s potent bowling attack to come good
Ramiz Raja backed Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja to come good when the chips are down. Ramiz also mentioned that India came so far in the World Test Championship due to their famed bowling attack.
“India have been successful in this format because of his bowling attack. They have bowlers who can pick 20 wickets. Going forward, India will be better served because they have two spinners in Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja if the wickets get dry,” Ramiz Raja said.