'It's Very Much A Possibility...,' Ravi Shastri Backs India To Create History In WTC Final
A lot will depend on Virat Kohli as India look to score 280 runs on Day 5
Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri expressed optimism about India's chances of victory on the final day of the World Test Championship final at The Oval in London. Despite the daunting task of achieving a world record chase, Shastri acknowledged that cricket has witnessed extraordinary events in the past.
Australia had set a formidable target of 444 runs for India, declaring their second innings at 270 for 8. India began their pursuit positively with openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill swiftly adding 41 runs. However, Gill's innings came to an end after a stunning yet controversial catch by Cameron Green.
Subsequently, Rohit and Cheteshwar Pujara contributed 50 runs for the second wicket, with the Indian captain showcasing his exceptional stroke-making skills. Unfortunately, both batsmen were dismissed in consecutive overs, causing India's score to plummet to 93 for 3.
Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane emerged with a resolute effort to thwart the Australian bowling attack. Kohli exhibited his finest form in Test whites in recent months, leading the charge and propelling the team to 164 for 3, still 280 runs away from the target.
Shastri expressed that there is a strong possibility of an Indian victory in the World Test Championship final. He acknowledged the unpredictable nature of cricket and mentioned that unusual events have occurred in the sport before.
"It's very much a possibility. This game throws up strange things; we have seen strange things happen in this game. It's going to take a world record chase,” said Shastri.
The erstwhile coach, who guided India to a sensational victory at the Gabba where they successfully chased 325 on the final day against Australia, emphasized that the pitch at the Oval remained favourable for batting. Looking ahead to the final day, he stressed the importance of weathering the storm in the first session of play, particularly highlighting the initial hour when the impact of the roller diminishes.
"Now it's a case of coming out tomorrow and weathering the storm in the first session of play. That's the session for me. If there is any sting on that surface, it will be in that first hour till the effect of the roller dies out,” added the Indian veteran.
According to Shastri, the approach for the Indian team should be to play the game in a conventional manner. They should assess the bowling based on its quality and not set overly ambitious targets. Instead, they should focus on taking it step by step, focusing on one session at a time without being preoccupied with the final outcome.
"I think it would be to play normal cricket. Treat the bowling on merit. Don't set yourself any big targets. Take it one session at a time. Don't think about what is going to happen at the end of it,” concluded Shastri.
 "Jatin")
