"Rohit Sharma's captaincy was definitely slightly surprising" - Parthiv Patel on R Ashwin being introduced late on Day 5 of IND vs NZ 2024 1st Test
Parthiv Patel has expressed surprise about Rohit Sharma's decision not to introduce Ravichandran Ashwin early into the attack in New Zealand's second innings of the first Test. He pointed out that the off-spinner is one of the most potent bowlers in the fourth innings and should have bowled as much as possible.
New Zealand defeated India by eight wickets in Bengaluru on Sunday, October 20, to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The visitors chased down a 107-run target with relative ease despite losing Tom Latham's wicket before they had scored a run.
During a discussion on Colors Cineplex, Patel was asked about his thoughts on Rohit's late introduction of Ashwin despite his favorable record against most Kiwi batters.
"It was slightly surprising because you want your main bowler to bowl as much as possible. In fact, we were discussing whether he would bowl with the new ball or not because he is even more effective with the new ball, especially when he bowls in the fourth innings," he responded.
"So Rohit Sharma's captaincy was definitely slightly surprising. When he (Ashwin) came to bowl for two overs, there also he beat the batter two or three times. I feel when he (Rohit) looks back or goes to the press conference, he will definitely be asked why he didn't bowl Ravichandran Ashwin," the former India wicketkeeper added.
Ashwin was given the ball when New Zealand needed only 10 runs for a win. Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav were preferred over Ashwin, with the left-arm wrist-spinner going wicketless and conceding 26 runs in his three overs.
"I still don't feel that decision was wrong" - Parthiv Patel on Rohit Sharma opting to bat first
![India were bowled out for 46 after Rohit Sharma opted to bat first. [P/C: BCCI]](https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/10/dd4ab-17294157213285-1920.jpg?w=500)
In the same discussion, Parthiv Patel was asked about his views on Rohit Sharma's decision to bat first.
"India might have lost the Test but I still don't feel that decision was wrong. It's true that the way India batted and got out for 46, they fell way behind in the game. However, I don't think that decision was wrong. Even after that, India had opportunities to come back in the Test match," he replied.
The cricketer-turned-commentator acknowledged that India were well behind in the game after being bowled out for 46 in their first innings. However, he added that the hosts had multiple opportunities to stage a comeback.
"When Rachin Ravindra and Tim Southee had a partnership of over 130 runs, you had a chance there. After that, when Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant were batting and Sarfaraz got out, you had a chance to build partnerships. If you had taken the 110-run target to 170 or close to 200, it would have been a different game," Patel elaborated.
Rachin Ravindra and Tim Southee stitched together a 137-run eighth-wicket partnership after New Zealand were reduced to 233/7 in their first innings. India lost seven wickets for just 54 runs in their second innings after being comfortably placed at 408/3.