In the post match presentation Rohit praised both Rishabh Pant and Sarfaraz khan fighting efforts.
During the post match presentation, skipper Rohit Sharma praised Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant’s fighting efforts after the defeat in the first Test match of the three-match series against New Zealand at Bengaluru.
India was on the back foot from the start of the Test, bowled out for just 46 in the first innings, with New Zealand responding with a massive 402. However, credit to India’s batters, especially Sarfaraz and Pant, whose 177-run partnership in the second innings kept India’s hopes alive in the match.
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In the post match presentation Rohit lauded both Rishabh Pant and Sarfaraz khan’s fighting efforts and also said that everyone was on edge of the seat watching both of them play.
“Everyone was on the edge of the seat when those two (Sarfaraz and Pant) were playing. They like to play their game, which has got them success,” the Indian captain said.
Pant, despite injuring his knee and facing doubts about whether he would bat, came out, showcased his skill, and batted brilliantly. He came agonizingly close to a century but was eventually dismissed on 99.
“Rishabh, with the way he bats, he takes a lot of risks, but I thought it was mature innings in the game. Defended good balls and left a few balls, and then backed himself to play those shots as well, ” said Rohit on Pant innings.
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Meanwhile, Sarfaraz, playing only his fourth Test, displayed great maturity and skill. He went on to score his maiden Test century and even reached 150 before getting out.
“Sarfaraz showed great maturity as well. He is only playing his 4th Test match, and he showed great clarity of his mind about what shots he wanted to play, ” Rohit added.
Speaking about the match, after trailing by 356 runs, India fought back with Rohit, Kohli, Sarfaraz and Pant amongst runs, reached 425/4 in the second innings but suddenly collapsed, getting bowled out for 462 and setting a modest target of 107.
During the chase, New Zealand faced early trouble when Latham got out for 0 in the first over and Conway for 17, both to Bumrah. But Will Young and Rachin Ravindra proved quite composed as New Zealand smoothly chased down the target and got to a 8-wicket win.
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