Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has backed Indian skipper Rohit Sharma to deliver as a leader in the second Test match against England at Vizag. India took a huge lead of 190 runs in the first innings of the opening Test match at Hyderabad but the hosts failed to capitalize as England went on to score 420 runs in the second innings.
India had to chase 231 runs but they were skittled out for 202 to lose by 28 runs. Rohit’s captaincy came under the scanner with former England skipper Michael Vaughan stating India wouldn’t have lost if Virat Kohli had been the captain.
Meanwhile, Rohit returned with scores of 24 and 39 runs and failed to convert his starts into big scores. Thus, he could not led from the front against England.
During an interview with Sports Today, Pathan said: “Rohit Sharma’s captaincy was not up to the mark. There were a few players who were set; they could have looked to convert those starts into big scores. Our bowling could also have been better. However, I am confident that Rohit Sharma’s captaincy will be brilliant in the next match and we will make a comeback, despite the fact that we have a lot of problems with some of our key players being injured.”
Pathan feels England might play with four spinners but they still need to bring their best against India.
“England have hinted that they might play four spinners. Do that if you want to. Yes, you won the first match, but that doesn’t mean that you have won the series.”
The former swing master is confident that India will still go on to win the series against England.
“My prediction had always been 4-1 or 4-0 in India’s favour. So, they have already won that one match. England is a very strong opponent, and every team comes to India well-prepared and with the hope of winning. Their approach to playing Test cricket has also been very good.”
The second Test match between India and England will be played at Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam from 2nd February.
