New Delhi: Let us tell you that for the first time since 2012, the Indian cricket team has faced defeat in a Test series at home. The Indian team has lost both the Test matches against New Zealand. In the Pune Test match, India was defeated by New Zealand (IND vs NZ, 2nd Test) by 113 runs. India has faced defeat in two consecutive Test matches.
The Indian captain lamented the lack of runs put on the board, he believes the loss in Pune and during the ongoing series is a collective failure.
“It’s a collective failure. I’m not somebody who would blame just the batters or the bowlers,” Rohit said in the post-match presentation.
Talking about the match, after losing the toss and being put to bowl first, The Rohit Sharma-led side was restricted to a mere 156 runs in response to New Zealand’s 259. Carrying a 103-run lead, New Zealand put together 255 runs in the second innings and were able to stop India for 245 on Day 3.
“Didn’t think we batted well enough to get runs on the board. You’ve got to pick 20 wickets to win, yes, but batters have to put runs on the board. Was a great fightback to restrict them to 250-odd but we knew it was going to be challenging,” Rohit said.
“When they started off, they were 200/3 and for us to come back and get them bowled out for 259 was a great effort. Wasn’t a pitch where a lot was happening. We just didn’t bat well enough,” he added.
When the Indian skipper was asked on his expectations were from the remaining Test in the series before India tours Australia for a five Test, Rohit Sharma said, “We want to show up well at Wankhede (Stadium) and try and win that Test. We will come out with better intent, better ideas and better methods.”
