'Everyone Knows What To Do...' Rohit Sharma Exudes Confidence After Huge Loss Against New Zealand In 1st Test
Rohit Sharma was visibly disappointed with India's performance [Source: PTI]
After a heartbreaking loss to New Zealand, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma took to the post-match presentation and addressed the key areas where the Indian side would focus on in upcoming second Test in Pune.
Despite a valiant attempt in the second innings, India failed to bank onto the support of batters when the Kiwis got their hands on their second new-ball. Thus, began the destruction of Indian batting line-up who lost last seven wickets falling for the mere 54 runs.
Reflecting on this, Rohit Sharma talked about how couple of partnership brought them in the game. He even heaped praises on 'batting heroes', Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant, who stitched up a breathtaking 177-run partnership and rescued India from an embarrassing innings loss.
"Yeah, was a good effort in the second innings with the bat. We didn't batted well in the first innings. So, we knew what lies ahead of us. A couple of guys stood up and it was great to watch it. When we were 350 runs behind, you can't think too much about it. Just bat according to the ball and see where the game goes.
A couple of partnerships put us back in the game. With 350 behind, we could have easily got out before getting to it. It was a great effort. (On Sarfaraz and Pant) Those two are batting heroes," he said.
Rohit On Sarfaraz-Pant Partnership
Shedding light on the 'edge of the seat' partnership between Sarfaraz and Pant, Rohit showed immense support for the duo and credited them for playing a mature innings against the BlackCaps.
"Everyone is on the edge of the seat. That's what has given them success. Rishabh takes some risks but it works for him. It was a matured innings. Not to forget Sarfaraz, he is playing his fourth Test match and showed great maturity. When you are clear in your mind, you are in a good seat," he added.
Speaking on the challenges that the overcast conditions put on the Indian side, Rohit revealed that he did not expect collapse under 50, however, he did praise the New Zealand bowlers. He further reassured that bouncing back will be something the side would be focused on.
"I said it in the press conference as well, it was going to be a challenge in overcast conditions. But I didn't expect us to get bowled out below 50. But you have to give credit where it's due. New Zealand bowled well and challenged every corner of the bat and we failed to counter it. Games like these can happen.
We have to understand what well we did in this game and go forward. There are guys who have been in this situation before. We were 1-0 behind against England and bounced back to win the series 4-1. Everyone knows what to do in these situations and we will be looking forward to this next game," he concluded.
Meanwhile, India gears up to meet New Zealand in Pune for the second Test starting from 24th October.