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'The T20 Thinking Of Matchups...,' India's Ex-Player Slams Rohit Sharma's Poor Strategy In Pune Test

India lost the Pune Test vs NZ by 113 runs [Source: PTI]India lost the Pune Test vs NZ by 113 runs [Source: PTI]

On Saturday, India were handed a crushing 113-run defeat by New Zealand in the second Test of the ongoing three-match home series. Chasing a mammoth target of 359 runs, the Indian team was bowled out for 245 in their second innings, conceding New Zealand the series in this process. 

Sanjay Manjrekar Criticises Sarfaraz Khan's Demotion

After the match concluded, India's ex-cricketer and renowned commentator Sanjay Manjrekar lambasted skipper Rohit Sharma for some of his questionable decisions in the high-voltage affair. As India lost their fourth wicket, the team management promoted all-rounder Washington Sundar, asking Sarfaraz Khan to bat down the order at number seven. 

The decision was based on the idea that Sundar, being a left-handed batter, could unsettle New Zealand's in-form left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner. However, the Blackcaps were unaffected by this, with off-spinner Glenn Phillips getting Sundar's prized wicket for 21 runs. 

Manjrekar wasn't impressed with Sarfaraz's demotion due to a matchup thing, as he questioned the tactic in a post-match show. 

"The move to have Sarfaraz Khan bat down the order and sending Washington Sundar above him because he is a left-hander, those kind of things shouldn't happen," Manjrekar was quoted as saying by PTI. 

"It's just bizarre. That's one thing that Rohit Sharma needs to be careful of...the T20 thinking of match ups left hand-right hand combinations. I think he should just go by the overall quality and ability of players," he added. 

India To Face New Zealand In A Must-Win Game In Mumbai

After horrendous Test defeats in Bengaluru and Pune, India will play for their pride in the final dead rubber against New Zealand at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Although there's no optional training session, the Indian players have been asked to participate in two compulsory practice sessions before the final face-off.