Rohit Sharma Praises Rishabh Pant & Sarfaraz Khan's 'Mature' Batting In 1st Test Against New Zealand

Indian men’s cricket team captain Rohit Sharma was full of praise for wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant and Sarfaraz Khan for their super show with the bat in the second innings of the first Test against New Zealand, which India lost by 8 wickets in Bengaluru on Sunday (October 20).

India failed to defend the target of 107 runs and suffered its first Test defeat against New Zealand in a Test match played on Indian soil since November 1988.

Pant and Sarfaraz impressed with their batting on the fourth day of the Bengaluru Test. After getting out for a three-ball duck in the first inning, Sarfaraz scored 150 runs in the second, and Pant got out after making 99 runs from 105 balls.

Impressed by the duo’s good show with the bat, Rohit said he is proud of the effort by them and added that everyone is on the edge of their seats when they bat.

“We could have easily been bowled out cheaply but proud of the effort. Everyone is on the edge of their seats when those two (Sarfaraz and Pant) are playing. They like to play the game, which has got them success. Rishabh, with the way he bats, 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. Sarfaraz showed great maturity as well. He is only playing his 4th Test match, and to show that kind of maturity, it was very clear in his mind what shots he wanted to play,” Rohit said during the post-match presentation ceremony.

The 37-year-old right-handed batter, who became only the third Indian captain after MAK Pataudi and Dilip Vengsarkar to lose a Test match against New Zealand at home, cited the example of the England series earlier this year and backed India to make a comeback in the series.

“Games like these happen. We will take the positives and move forward. There are guys who have been in this situation before. We lost a game against England and won four games after that. Two Test matches to go, and we know exactly what is needed from each one of us. We will try and put our best game forward.”

The second Test between India and New Zealand is scheduled to take place at MCA Stadium in Pune from October 24 to 28, whereas Wankhede Stadium will host the third Test from November 1 to 5.