‘We know what is needed’ – Rohit Sharma exudes confidence of strong comeback against New Zealand in Pune

Cricket fans in Bengaluru came to the ground hoping to see India win the game. In the end, Rohit Sharma and his team lost the match by 8 wickets. Tom Latham and his side had won just their 3rd game on Indian soil. This was also the Kiwis first ever Test win in India for over 36 years with the last win coming in 1988 during the Mumbai Test. 

Rohit Sharma had nothing but praise for his team despite their heartbreaking loss. Speaking at the post-game presentation, Rohit said, “There are guys who have been in this situation before. We lost a game against England and won four games after that. Two Test matches to go and we know exactly what is needed from each one of us. We will try and put our best game forward.”

India’s skipper also took responsibility for choosing to bat first after winning the toss. New Zealand seamers ran through India’s batting order to bowl them out for 46. In reply, the visitors scored 402 runs to take a lead of 356. India managed to fight back well posting 462 on the board but that wasn’t enough as the Kiwis won the game with ease. 

Rohit Sharma looks at the positives after loss in Bengaluru 

Being put under the spot, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma was at his honest best while speaking at the end of the game. The 37-year-old said that his team can pull itself out of this loss and make a strong comeback into the series in Pune. The second Test is slated to begin on Thursday 24th October with the final game to be played in Mumbai. 

The Indian skipper said, “It was a good effort with the bat in the second innings. We didn't bat well in the first innings. So knew what was ahead and a couple of guys stood out. When you are 350 behind you can't think too much about it. just got to see the ball and bat. A couple of partnerships were really exciting to watch and got us back in the game.”

The 37-year-old also added, “We could have easily been bowled out cheaply but proud of the effort. Everyone is on the edge of the seat when Sarfaraz and Pant are playing. They like the play the game which has got them success. Rishabh, with the way he bats he takes a lot of risks but I thought it was mature innings in the game.”

Rohit also praised young batter Sarfaraz Khan, who scored his maiden Test ton during the 2nd innings. “Sarfaraz showed great maturity as well. He is only playing his 4th Test match and to show that kind of maturity and very clear in his mind what shots he wanted to play,” he said. 

Finally, while giving praise to New Zealand bowlers, the veteran Indian star added, “I said in my press conference after Day 2 that we knew it will be sticky early on and challenged with the overcast conditions but we didn't expect to be out under 50. New Zealand bowled pretty well and challenged every corner of our bat and we failed to respond to that.”