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Rohit Sharma Admits ‘Misjudgment’ in Decision to Bat First Against New Zealand
India captain Rohit Sharma has admitted to a costly error in judgment after deciding to bat first in the opening Test against New Zealand at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
India was bowled out for a mere 46 runs, marking their lowest-ever Test score at home and their third-lowest in history. Speaking after the second day’s play, Rohit reflected on the decision to bat on a moist, rain-affected pitch, acknowledging that his assessment of the conditions was off the mark.
Rohit Sharma Reflects on Misjudgment
Rohit Sharma explained that the team had expected the pitch to be more conducive to batting after the first session, assuming the overcast conditions wouldn’t aid seamers for long. However, the decision backfired as New Zealand’s pacers, led by Tim Southee, Matt Henry, and William O’Rourke, dismantled India’s batting order. Rohit, who was dismissed early by Southee, took responsibility for the call, saying, “I am hurting to see this score of 46 as a captain.”
New Zealand Capitalizes on Moist Conditions
New Zealand, coming off a 2-0 series loss in Sri Lanka, exploited the moist pitch conditions perfectly. India’s batting collapse came as a shock, especially after their confidence-boosting Test series win against Bangladesh just days earlier. Five Indian batters, including Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan, were dismissed for ducks, leaving India unable to recover from the early blow. The decision to bat first, despite recent rains and the pitch being covered, proved disastrous.
Strategic Decisions Under Scrutiny
India’s choice to promote Kohli to the No. 3 position and opt for three spinners also came under scrutiny. Kohli’s dismissal for a duck compounded the team’s troubles, and Sarfaraz Khan’s quick exit further dented India’s chances. KL Rahul, batting at No. 6, also failed to capitalize on familiar conditions. Rohit defended the team’s batting order adjustments, emphasizing that Kohli volunteered to take on responsibility at No. 3 after discussions with the team.
New Zealand, meanwhile, took full advantage of India’s misjudgment and will look to further extend their lead in the ongoing match.
