'Sometimes It's Good To Lose' :Irfan Pathan Roots For IND's Comeback In Vizag Vs ENG
Rohit & Yashasvi (X.com)
Ahead of the crucial Vizag Test match between India and England, former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has backed the hosts to produce an awe-inspiring comeback wholeheartedly. He wants India to use Hyderabad's defeat as a learning curve to fall back into the series.
India faced a humiliating and embarrassing defeat at Hyderabad during the series-opening Test against England. The visitors opened with four spinners and left the Indian experienced batting lineup in shambles.
After Jack Leach produced his magic, debutant Tom Hartley grabbed the spotlight. He picked up seven wickets in the fourth innings as India fell short of 30-odd runs in the 230 runs chase.
Needless to say, the batting order collapse in the chase shocked many fans and analysts alike including former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan.
While speaking at an Asian Legends League event, Pathan revealed how he boarded a flight to Kolkata and during take off India needed 200 runs to win. However, by the time he landed to his destination, the hosts were bowled out which left the all-rounder in utter disbelief.
"I was shocked to see India's defeat. I was taking a flight to Kolkata and India needed 200 runs. By the time I landed India had lost the game. I was shocked but I believe that we will make a comeback." Irfan Pathan said in an Asian Legends League event.
Regardless, Irfan Pathan has backed the home side to turn things around in Vizag. He feels just because India lost does not mean the bowling attack is not good enough. Also, Pathan opined that early setbacks like these are necessary as it serves as a learning curve.
"We lost but that doesn't mean our bowlers are not good. Our bowlers are proven, you can lose a match, and sometimes it is good to lose when you lose you get to learn a lot of things. I am confident that India will win. Before the beginning of the series, I said that the Indian team is strong and I am still confident," Pathan added.
Pathan lastly added that he has always backed India since the beginning of the series and he still firmly believes, the home side will go on to win the five-game series from hereon.
That being said, producing a turnaround is easier said than done. India will field with a half-strength squad after losing KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja to sudden injuries. Also, Virat Kohli is ruled out for the Vizag Test as he opted out of the first two game days leading to the series opener.
Thus, skipper Rohit Sharma has a big task up his sleeves to turn the winning momentum to his side.
 "Akshita Patel")
