'Siraj would have made a difference' - Nathan Hauritz on what went wrong for India in WTC final

In the inaugural final of the World Test Championship, India was outplayed by New Zealand. The fact that Blackcaps dominated the game with their pacers was for all to watch. India’s move of going around with two spinners in the English conditions. Captain Virat Kohli’s captaincy credentials were also questioned by many for the same reason.

When asked about what went wrong for India in the WTC finals in an exclusive interview with TOI, the former Australian cricketer Nathan Hauritz stated that the Indian batters weren’t able to judge the conditions well. Hauritz felt that the lack of stability in the middle-order put a lot of pressure on Virat Kohli and the decision of playing two spinners too wasn’t a good take.

He said that it would have been beneficial had the Indian team went for an additional seamer in their bowling line-up. Opening up further on the same, Nathan backed Mohammed Siraj and asserted that considering his performance in Australia he could have been a great asset for the team.

“Better to have taken a chance with seamers. I think Siraj would have made a difference. He did well in Australia and his inclusion would have been great.”

When asked to talk about whether or not this defeat in the WTC finals will affect Virat and the team, Nathan said that he doesn’t think so, as playing at such a level demands one to be mentally strong and to move on from a loss quickly. He added that it is necessary to make important tweaks and then subtly move ahead to focus on what is in store ahead. “You can’t really focus on what’s happened, you’ve got to keep moving forward and keep focusing on the next game.”

Nathan Hauritz praises Virat Kohli

Virat is often admired for the energy and passion he brings on to the ground when he plays. Thus, when questioned that whether Nathan would compare skipper Virat with Australia’s Ricky Ponting he said that it is a tad hard thing as Virat’s passion is second to none. Hauritz further added that both of them have their own distant ways of exuding their passion and approach. “Both showed their passion in a different way. And the way they approach the game. Virat is probably the best batsman to have ever played the game.”

Talking about India’s historic triumph in Australia, Nathan praised Rahane’s captaincy and said that he led India to victory. Hauritz also reckoned that in the end, it is not just the leader but the entire team and highlighted the importance to be eager enough to get better each passing day.