'A Miracle Would Have Been More possible with...,' Manjrekar Makes A Big Statement Ahead Of WTC Final
Rishabh Pant has played some memorable knocks for India in Tests
Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has stated that the Indian team would have had a stronger chance of successfully chasing down Australia's colossal target of 444 runs in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC 2023) final if Rishabh Pant had been part of the playing XI.
Pant, who is currently sidelined due to injuries sustained in a horrific car accident in December 2022, has been missed by the team, according to Manjrekar. He said that Pant's inclusion would have added an element of possibility to what could only be described as a miraculous victory for India.
"A miracle would have been more possible with Rishabh Pant around. If India win, it is a miracle. But if Rishabh Pant was around, it would have seemed more likely," said Manjrekar while speaking to ESPNcricinfo.
The veteran commentator further dissected the match, pointing out the strategic maneuvers employed by Australia in the second innings. He opined that had India performed marginally better with the ball after choosing to bowl first, the course of the match might have taken a different trajectory.
"After watching Australia's tactics in the second innings, you would think if India would have done a little better with the ball after electing to bowl first, things would have been different,” added the erstwhile cricketer.
Despite India's valiant fightback, Manjrekar acknowledged that the team had conceded too much of an advantage to Australia in the initial stages of the match, thus placing them in a challenging position.
“This is the thing to like about India, they will keep fighting back. But they conceded just too much of an advantage in the first couple of days to Australia," concluded Manjrekar.
As the final day commences, all eyes will be on Kohli and Rahane, who will bear the responsibility of steering the Indian innings towards an improbable victory.
Kohli, who ended the fourth day with an unbeaten 44, will resume his innings alongside Rahane, who is batting on 20. The outcome of the WTC 2023 final hangs in the balance, with India requiring another 280 runs on the last day to lay its hands on the coveted WTC trophy.
 "Jatin")
