By IANS
New Delhi : With just 32 runs short of what should be a certain victory in the first Test match against Pakistan, celebrations are yet to begin in the Indian dressing room, said team manager Lalchand Rajput after the end of the fourth day’s play here Sunday.
“Celebrations are yet to take place. Hopefully we will do it tomorrow once we win the match,” said Rajput at the end of the fourth day’s play at Feroze Shah Kotla, indicating that the Indian team is not taking any chances against their arch-rivals.
Chasing a target of 203 runs in the second innings, India were cruising at 171 for three when the stumps were drawn.
Sourav Ganguly (48 not out) and Sachin Tendulkar (32 not out) who brought Indian to a sniffing distance of a sure win were at the crease.
Earlier, opening batsman Wasim Jaffer (53) gave the hosts a good start at a time when Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar was spitting fire.
“I think Sourav’s and my innings were crucial for the team. I hope he keeps on the same performance and finishes the match tomorrow,” said Jaffer.
The opening batsman said since the target was only 203, they were confident of winning the match.
“When we saw the target, we knew we could surely chase the target. When we were going out to bat, Anil bhai told us to be positive and erase any kind of negative thoughts from our minds. He asked us to play our natural game,” said Jaffer.
He also added that the win is going to be a huge psychological advantage to the team in the three-match series.
“Winning the first match of the three-match series will always be a big advantage. It will be difficult for Pakistan to come back as we will be in a good position,” he said.
On his opening partner, Dinesh Karthik’s dismal performance in this match, Jaffer said: “An openers slot is always difficult. And after two or three poor performances there is always a lot of pressure on the batsman. We have to sympathise with him and hopefully he will find his form. We had some good partnership in the England as well.”