We will try and put our best game forward – Rohit Sharma vows strong comeback

India had a forgettable outing in Bengaluru as New Zealand chronicled an easy win on the last day of the contest. Chasing 107, they lost a couple of wickets but that wasn’t enough for the hosts to dent the spirits of the Kiwis. Talking at the post-match presentation, the Indian captain, Rohit Sharma highlighted the learnings from the opening Test and vowed for India to come back stronger in the remainder of the Tests.

Underlining the fightback, Rohit Sharma said, “It was a good effort with the bat in the second innings. We didn't bat well in the first innings. So knew what was ahead and couple of guys stood out. When you are 350 behind you can't think too much about it. just got to see the ball and bat. Couple of partnerships were really exciting to watch and got us back in the game. We could have easily been bowled out cheaply but proud of the effort.”

He also shed some light on the duo of Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant, adding, “Everyone is on the edge of the seat when those two (Sarfaraz and Pant) are playing. They like the play the game which has got them success. 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. Sarfaraz showed great maturity as well. He is only playing his 4th Test match and to show that kind of maturity and very clear in his mind what shots he wanted to play.”

Talking about the conditions, Rohit added, “I said in my press conference after Day 2 that we knew it would be sticky early on and challenged with the overcast conditions but we didn't expect to be out under 50. New Zealand bowled pretty well and challenged every corner of our bat and we failed to respond to that.”

He concluded with a promise to bounce back, stating, “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.”