India’s Test series opener against New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium ended in a disappointing eight-wicket defeat for the hosts. Skipper Rohit Sharma acknowledged that the team’s dismal first-innings total of 46 set them back significantly.
“We knew it would be a challenge with overcast conditions and a tricky pitch,” Sharma said. “We didn’t expect to be all out for 46, but credit to New Zealand. It set us back, and games like this happen.”
Despite the setback, Sharma expressed confidence in his team’s ability to bounce back in the remaining two matches. “We’ve been here before, conceding home losses; these things happen,” he said. “Two Tests to go, we know what it takes and will give it all in the next two Tests.”
In the second innings, India showed resilience with a counter-attacking 177-run stand between Sarfaraz Khan (150) and Rishabh Pant (99). Sharma praised the young batters for their performance.
“It was a good effort in the second innings with the bat,” he said. “We knew what lies ahead, get as many as possible. A couple of guys stood out, was great to watch. When you’re 350 behind, you can’t think too much. Just have to try and bat the ball and see where the game goes.”
Sharma highlighted the importance of the partnership between Khan and Pant. “We could’ve easily been bowled under 350, it’s something we’re proud of,” he said. “Everyone’s on the edge of their seats when Pant and Sarfaraz bat. Pant’s was a mature innings; he’s done it for a while, and he played his shots too. Sarfaraz was very clear and mature in just his third or fourth Test.”
India now trails 1-0 in the three-match series and will travel to Pune for the second Test from October 24-28. The third and final game will be played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai from November 1-5.
