IND vs NZ, 1st Test: Rohit Sharma admits first-innings batting woes in defeat

Bengaluru: In a candid post-match interview, Team India Captain Rohit Sharma reflected on his team’s debacle in the first Test against New Zealand, stating, "We didn’t bat well in the first innings, so we knew what was ahead of us." This admission came after a dismal performance where the Indian batting lineup crumbled under pressure, managing to score just 46 runs in their first innings, which left the team facing a formidable challenge moving forward.

"When you’re 350 runs behind, you can’t dwell on it too much; you just have to see the ball and bat," Rohit emphasised, acknowledging the uphill battle his players faced. Despite the initial collapse, he praised the determination shown by several key players who rose to the occasion when it mattered most.

Rohit highlighted the partnerships formed in the second innings as a key factor in regaining momentum. "A couple of partnerships were really exciting to watch," he noted. "We could have easily been bowled out cheaply, but I’m proud of the effort."

Among those efforts, the performances of Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant stood out. "Everyone is on the edge of their seats when those two are batting. They know how to play the game, which has brought them success," Rohit said. He described Pant’s innings as a blend of risk-taking and maturity, commending his ability to defend well while also playing aggressive shots when needed.

Rohit also expressed admiration for Sarfaraz’s display of maturity, particularly as he played only his fourth Test match. "To show that kind of maturity at this stage is impressive," he remarked, acknowledging the young player’s clear mindset in shot selection.

Reflecting on the formidable New Zealand bowling attack, Sharma acknowledged the challenging conditions faced by his team. "I mentioned in my press conference after Day 2 that we knew it would be sticky early on, and we were challenged by the overcast conditions. However, we didn’t expect to be bowled out for under 50,” he said. “New Zealand bowled exceptionally well and challenged every corner of our bat, and we failed to respond effectively."

Despite the first innings debacle, Rohit remained optimistic about the future. "Games like these happen. We will take the positives and move forward. There are players who have experienced similar situations before. We lost a game against England and bounced back to win four after that. With two Test matches to go, we know exactly what is needed from each one of us, and we will strive to put our best game forward."