'This series is wide open' - Ravi Shastri suggests people not to count India out

The Indian team was bowled out at 78 in their first innings in the third Test match. The hosts triumphed in the match with an innings and 76 runs. After this dismaying defeat, the Indian team’s coach Ravi Shastri wants the teams to focus on the positives.

India pulled a thrilling victory at Lord’s as they bundled up the visitors inside 60 overs on the final day. Shastri thus pointed out that the Indian team must take inspiration from this win and not ponder about the defeat at Headingley.

“It’s very easy, you just go back to Lord’s. Just think Lord’s, forget the last one. As simple as that. I know it’s easier said than done but we should remember your good moments as well. Such things happen in the game,” Shastri told ‘Times Now Navbharat’ while promoting his new book ‘Stargazing’.

After conceding a massive lead, India displayed a bit of resilience in their second innings of the third Test. Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli held the fort of the side initially, with Pujara playing a poised knock of 91 and the skipper hitting a half-century. Shastri feels that the batting of the team was much better in the second innings as they managed 278 runs.

“Even though we showed glimpses of a fight in the second innings, I think that first, you know, early dismissal of our players and getting all out for 78 played its part. But this series is wide open,” Shastri asserted.

We will fight, there’s no question about it: Ravi Shastri

Ravi Shastri further pinned his trust in the Indian side as he pointed that if anyone is writing off Virat Kohli and the team then they should do so at their own risk. He added that the pressure is on England and that there is no doubt that the Indian team will provide a fight.

“If anyone thinks that this Indian team is going to back off, they have another one coming because at 1-1, we are playing overseas, the pressure is on England. They have to win in their own country. We have done what we had to do with them in India. So, the ball is in their court and we will fight, there’s no question about it,” Shastri added.