Virat Kohli stands in between Australia and the World Test Championship. The India superstar has the glint in his eye and the body language of a man who believes he can pull off a miracle.
India were in dire straits after losing Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara in quick succession but Kohli (44 off 60 balls) and his former vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane (20 off 59) have given India hope.
India made it to stumps on 3/164,needing 280 on the final day to post an epic win.
Australia,though,remain in the box seat. They should have the runs on the board - and India’s batting is not as deep as it was in the 2020/21 series when they had Rishabh Pant as the wildcard in the middle order.
The key for Australia is to break this partnership between Kohli and Rahane,currently worth 71. Next in is all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja,who is better suited at No.7,and KS Bharat. Remember,India don’t have Ravichandran Ashwin at eight,and Axar Patel at nine to bail them out like they did at home earlier this year.