The only option we have is to win this Test match, says Virat Kohli

Team India is all geared up to face England in the third Test of the five-match series at Trent Bridge on Saturday. They are currently 0-2 down and would be keen to pull one back on their opponents by putting behind the dejected performance at Lord’s. Their skipper Virat Kohli also felt the same when he fronted the media ahead of the game and believed that the only option they are left with is to win in this game.

A lot has been said about the team ever since they went down meekly in the second Test and made it difficult for themselves to make a comeback in the series. Though the batsmen will have to fare much better this time around if the visitors are hoping to turn it around. The hosts look confident and they have also named their playing XI 24 hours before the game as Ben Stokes has returned to the side straight away.

We can’t afford to think of anything else

Virat Kohli, in the pre-match press conference, was quite vocal and cautioned his men against panicking. He was of the opinion that the adverse conditions bring the best out of you and the must-win situation might do the same for his team. “The only thing we have spoken of us is what the team requires at all times in this Test match. When your back is against the wall, you can’t afford to think of anything else.

“If you look at it from another point of view, it’s a good situation to be in because you literally have no room for thinking about anything else apart from what the team requires,” he said. Kohli also pointed out that they have no option but to win the third Test to stay alive in the series. Even if this encounter ends in a draw, the visitors then will be left with a hope to draw the series leave aside winning it.

“The only conversation we have had is that the only option is to win this Test and nothing else. You need to show that in your body language, in your intent and the way you go about things… it’s all about you feeling positive first. That is the conversation we have had in the last few days and like I said, it’s now up to the individuals to stand up and say I am going to go out there and make a difference,” the 29-year-old added.

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