"I did not expect that we will be bowled out for under 50" - Rohit Sharma after facing defeat in the IND vs NZ 2024 1st Test
Team India captain Rohit Sharma put forth his thoughts after facing defeat in the first Test against New Zealand today, October 20. The first Test was played at Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Since taking the reins over from Virat Kohli as the Test captain in 2022, Rohit Sharma faced his third loss at home in two years. Team India registered their lowest score at home after being bundled out for 46 in the first innings of this Test, which also happens to be the third-lowest total for the hosts in their Test history.
New Zealand scored 402 in their first innings and took a lead of 356 runs. In reply, India scored 462 in their second innings, setting a target of 107 for New Zealand to take the series lead. The visitors lost Tom Latham (0) and Devon Conway (17) early in the session but Rachin Ravindra and Will Young steered them to a first victory on Indian soil since 1988.
Reflecting upon the loss, Rohit had the following to say to the official broadcaster:
"It was a good effort with the bat in the second innings. We didn't bat well in the first innings. So we knew what lied ahead. A couple of guys stood out. When you are 350 runs behind. You can't think too much about it. You have to play the ball. It was a great effort. Something, we as a team are very proud of. "
The 37-year-old also mentioned that he didn't expect the hosts to be bowled out under 50 and expressed confidence of bouncing back in the series. He added:
"We knew it was going to be challenging with overcast conditions and pitch being a bit sticky. But I did not expect that we will be bowled out for under 50. Credit to New Zealand. They challenged every corner of our bat. We have the guys who know how to bounce back. We lost the first Test against England and then won the series."
"When they are batting, we are all at the edge of our seats" - Rohit Sharma on Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant
Team India skipper Rohit Sharma had high praise for the partnership between Rishabh Pant and Sarfaraz Khan in the second innings. He said:
"When Sarfaraz and Pant are batting, we are all at the edge of our seats. It was a mature innings from Pant. They defended the good balls and played his shots. Not to forget Sarfaraz, who showed great maturity. He was very clear about the kind of shots that he wanted to play."
New Zealand won the first Test by eight wickets and have taken a series lead of 1-0. The second game of the three-match Test series between New Zealand and India will be played at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune from October 24.