Just few hours left for the much awaited ICC Champions Trophy final against arch-rivals Pakistan at The Oval here on Sunday, India skipper Virat Kohli hinted at playing the same combination in their hunt for defending the title.
Despite all-rounder Hardik Pandya who fired by the Bangladesh duo of Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim in the second semi-final in Birmingham, Kohli backed the youngster’s inclusion, terming him as a “complete package”.
“Not looking to change too many things because I would any day back a guy like Hardik, who provides you so much balance in conditions like England. He can be effective as a bowler and his batting is priceless,” the 28-year-old told reporters here.
“If you are chasing a total where you need eight runs an over and you have lost wickets, he is the guy who can still win you the game. That’s the kind of belief he has in his abilities and we have in him. He is a complete package, so I would not like to change anything at this particular stage,” he replied when asked about any possible changes in the playing XI.
When asked whether there is any mental advantage over Pakistan as India trashed them by 124 runs in the tournament opener, captain Kohli replayed negatively.
“There is no guarantee that a team will always win or lose against any particular opposition. It all depends on how you perform and give your 100 percent on that day. We focus on the things within our control, so as I said we don’t go after past records and statistics”.
“I don’t see any relevance of the first game here. You can never tell how a particular team starts a tournament. Some teams start off confidently but they fail later while some might not have the best starts but they come back amazingly which Pakistan has done,” he said.
“Everyone is aware of the kind of talent Pakistan have in their team. On their day they can beat any side in the world.
“We are quite aware of that but at the same time neither are we too intimidated nor are we too arrogant to what we are doing. It’s importance to maintain the balance of being confident on your own skill and what you are doing as a team,” he added.
