Those 3 Hours Are Not Going To Dictate What This Team Is: Rohit Sharma On 46-All Out
Mumbai: India captain Rohit Sharma emphasized that there is no need for panic in the dressing room following India’s unexpected defeat to New Zealand in the first Test of the series on Sunday, October 20, in Bengaluru. Despite the disappointing loss, Rohit reassured fans that India’s decision-making process remains intact, and that “three hours” of bad cricket in the first innings will not define the team’s performance for the rest of the season.
New Zealand’s victory marked their first Test win on Indian soil since 1988, and it was the first time India lost two home Tests in a calendar year since 2012. India were bowled out for a mere 46 runs in their first innings, the lowest total on home soil, which proved to be a major setback. Despite a strong comeback in the second innings, where India posted 462 runs, New Zealand chased down the modest target of 107 with ease, thanks to a solid batting display by Will Young and Rachin Ravindra.
Speaking to the media after the defeat, Rohit Sharma reflected on the positives from the second innings and expressed pride in the team’s resilience. “All in all, I thought except for that first couple of hours, three hours, we played very good Test cricket,” Rohit said. “It’s very easy to let the game drift away, but this is not what this team is all about. We wanted to fight back and stay in the game as long as possible.”
Rohit highlighted how India responded well after being bowled out for 46 and were even in a competitive position at one point in the game. “Second innings with the bat, we came out and played the way we wanted. It felt like we were ahead in the game at one stage. We didn’t feel like we were 350 behind,” Rohit said, applauding the team’s mindset and approach.
This is the second time in 2024 that India has lost the opening match of a home series. Earlier in January, India lost the first Test of a five-match series against England in Hyderabad by 28 runs but went on to win the series 4-1. Drawing from that experience, Rohit expressed confidence in the team’s ability to bounce back.
When asked whether India has become a slow starter at home, Rohit dismissed any suggestions of casual play in the first match and stressed the importance of staying focused. “Every time we play the first Test of a series, we don’t go in with the mindset of playing casual cricket. It just happens that we lost against England, and here as well, we had 3-4 hours of bad cricket,” he noted.
Rohit called for consistency and calm, explaining that one bad session should not lead to overreactions or judgment of players. “It’s important to keep a consistent message, which is to try and make a way back into the game whenever we are under pressure. We really found a way to fight back. Of course, we lost a Test match, but honestly, there are a lot of good things that happened to us in this Test match.”
Looking ahead to the second Test in Pune, Rohit emphasized the need to maintain a calm atmosphere in the dressing room and focus on executing the team’s plan. “We know exactly what we need to do and where we lie as a team. It’s about keeping a calm atmosphere and not sending panic messages. It’s important we stay strong and try and see how we can nail the second game.”
India will look to bounce back when they face New Zealand in the second Test in Pune on October.
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