Virat Kohli would always go for the kill: Irfan Pathan optimistic of India win

Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara will resume on the overnight score of 64 for two at the Ageas Bowl on the reserve day. Team India currently have a slender lead of 32 runs. With all three results possible, the final day of the World Test Championship Final promises to be crucial for both teams.

Surprisingly, the weather forecast looks very promising today, guaranteeing a full day’s play. Irfan Pathan, speaking on Star Sports, said that Virat Kohli, given his proactive and aggressive captaincy, would undoubtedly go for the win on the final day. The former all-rounder believes that if India can safely negotiate the first hour of the morning, there will be a chance for them to enforce a positive result. 

“We know Virat Kohli is a very aggressive captain. He would always go for the kill, always go for the win. But he would also understand the situation that New Zealand are slightly ahead. But that one hour, if we don't lose more than one wicket, then we would see the aggressive Virat Kohli there. Obviously, Cheteshwar Pujara will be very crucial as well in that one hour, ” Irfan Pathan was quoted as saying on Star Sports. 

When asked about how India would approach the innings, Irfan responded: “I see India playing around 40 overs. and try to get as many runs as possible. If India reach somewhere close to 160-mark, and then they can give batting and see if they can get early wickets. We have seen in these five days, the morning session has done a bit when it comes to fast bowling moving around. Once you take out that, the game could still be on.” 

To force a result, India will need to bat for 40-50 overs, score as many runs as possible and then try to bowl out the Kiwis within the specified timeframe. The Kolkata spectacle, The Gabbatoir breach, The Hobart heist - India are no strangers to rewriting history when it appears impossible.