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'Depends On Batters'- Rohit Sharma Opens Up On What Led To India's Shambolic Defeat To New Zealand

Indian skipper, Rohit Sharma at the press conference  (@CricCrazyJohns/X.com)Indian skipper, Rohit Sharma at the press conference  (@CricCrazyJohns/X.com)

On Saturday, India faced a heartbreaking loss in the second Test match between India and New Zealand at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. Everyone firmly believed that Rohit Sharma and co would bounce back stronger than ever after the crushing defeat in first Test. However, fortunes were quick to turn around and not for good.

Speaking in the post-match press conference, Indian captain, reflected on India's loss, the first Test loss at home in 12 years, and spoke about where the team lacked. He expressed that pitch wasn't that bad at the start however as things proceeded the pitch started behaving differently. 

Rohit on Gill-Yashasvi Partnership Loss

"We didn't bat well in the first innings. The pitch wasn't bad enough. We just didn't get close to their first innings score. As the game went on, the pitch started behaving differently. We wanted to get those runs. We lost wickets after that Gill-Yashasvi partnership. We failed to respond to the pressure," said Rohit in the conference.

Furthermore, Rohit also talked about India's strategy as a team and he emphasised on how New Zealand did well on implementing what India planned on. He added that eventually it all depends on batter to think about their individual game plan. 

 "We wanted to do as a team, try sweeps, paddles. When you do that one fielder will come behind you and then you can score runs straight. That's what NZ did really well, played a lot of sweeps. When you play on a pitch like this, you have to find options to do things differently. We have been talking about sweeping and reverse sweeping. But eventually when a player is batting, it is about he is thinking. It depends on the batter to take that call," he added further.

How Can India Still Qualify For WTC Final?

India suffered a disappointing defeat in the Pune Test against New Zealand, marking their second loss in the series. Chasing 359 runs, the Indian batting lineup faltered despite a promising start from Yashasvi Jaiswal, ultimately losing half their wickets to Kiwi spinners. 

Although their chances of direct qualification are slim, India can still secure a spot by winning at least four of their remaining Tests, including the crucial upcoming series against Australia. To qualify, they must focus on consistent performances