India’s Collapse in First Test: Rohit Sharma Downplays Significance
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has downplayed the significance of India’s disastrous collapse in the first Test against New Zealand, asserting that it will not define the team’s capabilities. Despite a valiant fightback in the second innings, India succumbed to an eight-wicket defeat in Kanpur.
Sharma acknowledged that the team made “small mistakes” but emphasized the importance of staying calm and avoiding panic ahead of the second Test in Pune. He believes that the team has the ability to bounce back from setbacks, as they have done in the past.
“We have made small mistakes in this game and we are suffering the consequences. But that doesn’t mean that everything is over,” Sharma said. “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.”
Sharma praised the performance of Sarfaraz Khan, who stepped up as a replacement for Shubman Gill. Khan’s century helped India recover from a precarious position in the second innings. Sharma also provided an update on Gill’s fitness, indicating that a decision on his availability for the second Test will be made later.
Regarding Rishabh Pant, who suffered a blow to his operated knee, Sharma expressed caution. He emphasized the need to protect Pant, who is still recovering from a serious injury.
“He had a massive operation on his leg. It’s just to be a little careful about where he is at and what he is to us,” Sharma said. “Even when he was batting, he was not comfortably running. He was trying to only put the ball in the stands.”
Sharma praised Jasprit Bumrah’s performance in the Test, but declined to single out any bowler for underperforming. He stressed the importance of maintaining a positive atmosphere within the team and focusing on the upcoming match.
“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,” Sharma said.
