New Delhi: After India’s eight-wicket loss to New Zealand in the Test series opener at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, skipper Rohit Sharma acknowledged that being dismissed for 46 in the first innings was a major setback but assured that his team is fully committed to fighting back in the remaining two matches.
On Day 2 of the Test, following a rain-affected opening day, India collapsed for just 46 runs—marking their third-lowest total in Test history and the lowest ever at home. Under overcast conditions, they were dismantled by a remarkable display of seam bowling from Matt Henry (5/15) and Will O’Rourke (4/22), which significantly contributed to their defeat.
“I said it at the press conference after day 2, we knew it’d be a challenge, with overcast conditions and tricky pitch. We didn’t think we’ll be 46 all out but due credit to NZ. It set us back and games like this will happen.
“Gotta take the good things forward. We’ve been here before, conceding home losses; these things happen. Two Tests to go, we know what it takes and will give it all in the next two Tests,” said Rohit after the match.
Despite India’s second-innings total of 426, bolstered by a counter-attacking 177-run partnership between Sarfaraz Khan (150) and Rishabh Pant (99), skipper Rohit Sharma expressed pride in the performance of the two young batsmen.
“It was a good effort in the second innings with the bat. We knew what lies ahead, get as many as possible. A couple of guys stood out, was great to watch. When you’re 350 behind, you can’t think too much. Just have to try and bat the ball and see where the game goes. Was exciting to watch partnerships get us into the game.
“We could’ve easily been bowled under 350, it’s something we’re proud of. Everyone’s on the edge of their seats when Pant and Sarfaraz bat. Pant’s was a mature innings; he’s done it for a while, and he played his shots too. Sarfaraz was very clear and mature in just his third or fourth Test.”
India, trailing 1-0 in the three-match series, will head to Pune for the second Test against New Zealand from October 24-28, followed by the final game at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai from November 1-5.
