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'They Need To...,' Dinesh Karthik Lends India Winning Mantra Despite Horror Show on Day 1

image-limxog6wRohit Sharma was lost in his captaincy on Day 1 (AP Photo)

Rohit Sharma's India started the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2023 brilliantly, with the coin flip going their way and the bowlers quickly removing the first three Australian wickets. However, as Steve Smith shook hands with Travis Head in the middle, the Indians lost the plot in the game, and the Aussies virtually knocked them out of the contest on Day 1 of the Test match itself. With the whole cricketing fraternity criticizing Rohit & company's tactics and team selection, Dinesh Karthik has backed the Asian Giants to make an inspirational comeback in the game.

While speaking on Cricbuzz's show, the veteran Indian keeper - who is commentating on the Ultimate Test - stated that if the bowling team could remove a couple of quick wickets with the considerably newer ball early in the upcoming day. Karthik also warned that if Australia passed the 420-run mark, things would become more burdensome for the Indians. 

"If India need to come back in the game, make no mistake, there’s only chance is if they pick 3 early wickets in the first session. If they don’t do that, we will be way behind. Immediately, we will start looking at the draw as a win. Australia have a long batting lineup, if you don’t get them before 400-420, it’s going to be real hard work," Karthik said on Cricbuzz's show.

Thanks to the historic unbeaten partnership of 251 runs between Head and Smith, Australia posted 327/3 on the first day of the pinnacle Test. During their partnership, the Indian bowlers - especially Umesh Yadav and Shardul Thakur - looked pale throughout the day, which led to pushing Rohit & co.'s back against the walls. 

However, an Indian comeback from this stage is next to impossible, but cricket is a game of uncertainty, and the momentum could be shifted back in a couple of overs' time as well.