The first Test against New Zealand was a setback for Team India, as New Zealand won it easily courtesy Rachin Ravindra’s explosive batting and the lethal pace attack brought in by Matt Henry and William O’Rourke. Team India’s batting faced a severe collapse as their 1st innings were piled up at a mere score of 46. Only Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal were the two players to score runs in double digit, while India was struggling in first innings, New Zealand smoothly sailed through with Rachin Ravindra scoring 134 runs and forming a strong partnership with teammate Tim Southee. The partnership between Rachin Ravindra and Tim Southee helped provide 350 plus lead to the Kiwis.
In the second innings India tried to make a comeback with Virat Kohli’s careful knock of 70 runs and the partnership of Rishabh Pant (99) and Sarfaraz Khan (150) but this certainly wasn’t enough as India lost wickets in succession after the duo was out. Team India set a target of 107 runs for the Kiwis to chase, this posed no threat to New Zealand’s strong batting lineup as Will Young and Rachin Ravindra easily chased the target to clinch the first Test on Indian soil after 36 years.
Also Read: WTC Points Table: India Retains Top Spot Despite Setback Against New Zealand In 1st Test
Rohit Sharma On 1st Test Defeat Against New Zealand
Following the defeat Rohit Sharma reflected on the loopholes and also appreciated India’s effort to make a comeback in the game.
Learning And Keep Giving The Best: The Right Mantra For Success
“Games like these happen. We will move forward. We lost a game against England and won four games after that. We know exactly what is needed from each one of us,” Rohit said at the post-match presentation ceremony on Sunday, October 20.
“I said in my press conference that we knew it will be sticky early on but we didn’t expect to be out for 46. New Zealand bowled well and we failed to respond to that,” Rohit said.
Team India’s Potential To Bounce Back
“We will take the positives and move forward. 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.”
“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 was ahead and couple of guys stood out.
Rohit Sharma Lauds The Strong Partnership Between Sarfaraz & Pant
“When you are 350 behind you can’t think too much about it, just got to see the ball and bat. Couple of partnerships were really exciting to watch. We could have easily been bowled out cheaply but proud of the effort.” Rohit Sharma was really happy that the young duo batted only in the manner they know.
“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.”
Team India will be looking forward to erase the memories of this bitter defeat and bounce back in second Test which will be held at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune. It will commence from October 24.
(With PTI Inputs)
