Irfan Pathan: India played with fewer batsmen at the WTC Final

Former Team India all-rounder analyses Virat Kohli and Co’s ICC World Test Championship Final loss

Former India cricketer and all-rounder Irfan Pathan, who has had his fair share of experience in the longest format of the game, shared his opinion on India's loss to New Zealand at the World Test Championship final last month. Recently during an interview on a show, Irfan Pathan talked about India's performance in the WTC Final which they lost by 8 wickets.

Speaking exclusively on Star Sports' Show Follow The Blues, former Team India all-rounder Irfan Pathan analyses Virat Kohli and Co’s ICC World Test Championship Final loss, "I think India played with fewer batsmen – which I highlighted before the ICC World Test Championship Final. I feel there was a need for one more batsman in the team. We do not have quality fast-bowling all-arounder - which New Zealand possesses – and it is hard to find one. Now, If we talk from a proper cricketing point of view – what went wrong for India? I think the first inning went great, but Team India’s batting in the second inning was disappointing. The ball wasn't swinging as much in the second inning, and Indian batsmen could have batted more responsibly. I am aware of Rishabh Pant’s capabilities as a batsman and how he can hit balls very well, but that does not mean you hit a fast bowler outside – a sense of responsibility was required. Indian batters were using a lot of pull shots on bouncers; instead of using their body and this showed a lack of commitment. These questions are tough, but I hope Indian batsmen have the strength to give their answers in the future. And now we are back on the same topic – Kiwi batsmen were able to make 140 runs with the loss of two wickets, but our Indian team lost eight wickets building the same score."

Former Team India all-rounder Irfan Pathan spoke on how the lack of match practice affected India’s position in the ICC World Test Championship Final, "By the time we (Team India) started fielding for the second session, our bowlers were already tired. This happened because India didn’t get enough match practice. When a team gets less match practice, they don’t have the kind of match fitness required for a particular game. I feel this will improve eventually. I think Indian bowlers should’ve opted for more bouncers – the way Neil Wagner did. And improvement is required in length because we witnessed a lot of cut shots and back-foot punches from Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor."

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli and Co will be gearing up to face England in a five-match Test series that will begin on August 4.

Also Read: Injured Shubman Gill could miss England Tests

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