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NEW DELHI: India captain Rohit Sharma firmly stated on Sunday that the team’s collapse to a mere 46 runs in a span of three hours during the first Test against New Zealand should not be used to define the entire team. He believes that judging his players solely based on that single performance would be unjust.
India suffered an eight-wicket defeat at the hands of New Zealand in the series opener, despite putting up a strong fight in their second innings, amassing an impressive 462 runs.
The captain emphasized that a single poor performance does not determine his team’s capability to deliver high-quality cricket and bounce back from challenging circumstances.
“I am not going to look too much into this Test match honestly because those three hours are not going to dictate what this team is. You know, because it will be unfair to think about those three hours and start judging players and talk slightly differently,” said Rohit in the post-match press meet.
“It’s important to keep a consistent message in the group. We really found a way to come back into this game with the bat in the second innings. Of course, we lost a Test match. But I feel a lot of good things have happened in this game.”
Rohit acknowledged that the Indian team made a few minor errors during the game. However, he emphasized the significance of maintaining composure and not succumbing to panic as they prepare for their upcoming encounter.
“We have made small mistakes in this game and we are suffering the consequences. But that doesn’t mean that everything is over,”
“We have lost such matches before and we have made a comeback after that. So, we will try not to think too much about this Test.”
Rohit emphasized the importance of staying united and maintaining strength as a team ahead of the second Test, which begins in Pune on October 24.
“Now, it’s just about keeping a very calm atmosphere, and not to send panic messages. It’s important that we stay strong and try and see how we can nail that second game.”
Rohit expressed his delight at seeing Sarfaraz Khan step up after being brought in as a replacement for Shubman Gill, who missed the first Test due to a stiff neck.
“It felt like we were ahead in the game at one stage. We didn’t feel like we were 350 behind and that is something that I am really proud of. It’s always nice to have these kind of players waiting to play the game.
“It was unfortunate that Shubman missed this game. Sarfaraz took that opportunity, and got a big 100. It’s a good sign for the team,” he added.
The Mumbaikar mentioned that Gill is currently feeling fine, but a decision on his availability for the second Test will be made later.
Rohit also noted that Rishabh Pant, who smashed a brilliant 99 in the second innings, needs to be managed carefully as he is still working his way back to peak form.
Pant took a hit on his previously operated knee and did not keep wickets for the entire third day.
“He had a massive operation on his leg. It’s just to be a little careful about where he is at and what he is to us. Even when he was batting, he was not comfortably running. He was trying to only put the ball in the stands.
“So, we just need to be extra careful because he has had a lot of minor surgeries, and one big surgery on his knee. He also went through trauma in the last one and a half years.
“So, when you are keeping, you have to bend your knee. The wicket being what it was, we thought it is the right thing to do for him to stay inside and then get 100% ready for the next one,” he explained.
Jasprit Bumrah delivered an impressive performance in the Test match, claiming three wickets while keeping the runs in check.
However, his pace partner Mohammed Siraj was somewhat underwhelming. Although Siraj took two wickets in the first innings, he struggled to have the desired impact as the second pacer.
Rohit, however, declined to criticize any specific bowler for a lackluster performance.
“Bumrah got a couple of wickets so I want him to bowl an extended spell (in the second innings). We tried really hard with the new ball, Siraj bowled a brilliant spell as well, but didn’t get the result.
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