Follow UsIndia skipper Rohit Sharma made it clear that he won’t judge his players based on one innings. India were bowled out for just 46 in the first innings of the first Test in Bengaluru and then saw New Zealand gain a lead of 356 runs. The Men in Blue responded well in the second innings, scoring 462 but a target of 107 was never going to trouble the Blackcaps.
"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 after India lost the first Test by eight wickets on October 20 (Sunday).
"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 won the toss and decided to bat first in the gloomy conditions. The likes of Tim Southee, Matt Henry, and William O’Rourke got the ball to talk, and the Indian batters struggled to keep up with the swing and bounce on offer. Even against England earlier this year, India lost the first game but went on to win the next four.
“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,” added Rohit, who registered scores of 2 and 52 in the first of the three Tests against the Blackcaps.
"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."
Shubman Gill, who missed the first Test due to a stiff neck, is likely to be fit and available for the second Test, which will be played in Pune from October 24. In his absence, Sarfaraz Khan got a game, and the 26-year-old responded with a stunning 195-ball 150 in India’s second innings.
"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 kinds 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," said Rohit.
After India conceded a massive lead in the first innings, the hosts bounced back with some authority in the second essay. Rohit himself hit 52 off 63, while Virat Kohli crafted 70 off 102 deliveries. Sarfaraz and Rishabh Pant (105-ball 99*) then joined hands and added 177 runs for the fourth wicket. India were 408/3 at one stage but then lost seven wickets for just 54 runs. India scored 4.64 in the second inning, and Rohit said his team would continue to be aggressive.
"We don't change our mindset based on one game or one series. We are not going to change our mindset fearing the losing of a Test match. It's about to try and not let the opposition know that we are under pressure or we are behind the game. When you are actually behind, you want to try and do extraordinary things and play without any fear.
"Some of the Test matches we played recently shows what I am talking about, and that's how it's going to be. It's one thing to talk about it, but actually, we went out there (in Bengaluru) and played some fearless cricket."
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