New Zealand spinner Ajaz Patel on Wednesday (December 1) said that the current Kiwi team doesn’t look too much into history, and prefers to look at the present, as he is confident about the possibility of winning the two-match Test series against India ahead of the second and final Test in Mumbai.
The opening Test has ended in a thrilling draw thanks to Patel and Rachin Ravindra’s courageous efforts on the final day at Green Park in Kanpur, with the second and final Test to be played at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, from December 3 to 7.
Patel said during a virtual press conference: “For us, it's still going into a game with the possibility of taking the series. We know the history of playing in India and we know how difficult it has been in the past. The beauty of our team at this moment is that we don't look in history too much and we look at the present. For us, we have a sense of self-belief that we can go up from anywhere, and recently we were able to take away the World Test Championship (WTC) from them.”
He added, “So for us, now it's just about playing the best cricket possible and everyone contributing. It's not just one individual who comes to the party, it does take a team effort and that's what Test cricket is all about. We are playing some very good cricket and we are confident at this very moment.”
Meanwhile, the New Zealand spinner said that playing at Wankhede Stadium is a nostalgic feeling for him, as he grew up in Mumbai and has his family in the city.
Ajaz further said, “It's a bit emotional. When we landed in Mumbai yesterday and earlier when I used to land at the airport, I used to go to my family or friends but this time it was different, as this time I was with cricket, representing New Zealand. I have been at Wankhede earlier also for some IPL games, thanks to Mitchell McClenaghan. I have bowled a few times during the practice sessions, so yes, it's cool as well as nostalgic at the same time.”
He signed off by saying, “It's a special moment for me. My family has never seen me play in person. So, it will be the first time they will be in the stands, it is a great feeling.”
(With ANI Inputs)
