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‘Don’t Want To Be Too Critical’ - Rohit Sharma On India’s Performance vs SA

image-lqpe3m43Rohit Sharma | Source: X.com

South Africa convincingly beat India by an innings and 32 runs in the opening Test of the two-match series, bringing the Boxing Day Test to a quick conclusion within three days. The match showcased a below-par performance from team India, reflecting one of their weaker displays in Test cricket of late. 

Virat Kohli anchored the ship with a solid 76 in the third innings, but the rest of the Indian batting unit seemed downright puzzled facing the fired-up South African fast bowlers. Rabada and the debutant Nandre Burger tore through, leaving the latter with a stellar figure of 4 for 33.  

India's 3rd innings crumbled in just 34.1 overs, marking one of the Test team's weakest batting performances in recent memory. Even the centurion from the first innings, KL Rahul, couldn't salvage much as India limped to a mere 131 runs, with South African pacers running rampant. 

Reflecting on the heartbreaking loss in the post match conference, Indian captain Rohit Sharma, openly admitted to the team's underwhelming performance. While crediting KL Rahul and Virat Kohli for their standout performances, he stressed the imperative of a collective team effort to clinch victories. 

Here’s what Rohit Sharma said:

“We were not good enough to win. Having been put into bat, KL batted well to get us that score but then we didn't exploit the conditions with the ball and then again didn't show up today with the bat. If we have to win Test matches, we have to come together collectively and we didn't do that.” 

India, thrown in to bat first, had a rough time racking up runs, going through a massive collapse with only KL Rahul stepping up to the plate. He smashed 101 runs, pulling team India's total past 250 in the first inning. Rohit Sharma later pointed out how KL Rahul showed everyone how it's done on these kinds of wickets.

“We didn't bat well in both innings, that's why we stand here. Not too many positives to finish the game within 3 days, but KL showed what we need to do on this sort of pitch. Our bowlers, a lot of these guys haven't been here before so I don't want to be too critical.”  

Once again, Team India's ambition to conquer the series in South Africa stays just that – an ambition. The second test is on the cards at Cape Town, scheduled for January 3.