'Those three hours…': Rohit Sharma defends team after collapse, urges fair verdict |

NEW DELHI: India captain Rohit Sharma on Sunday said firmly that the team's collapse to just 46 runs in three hours in the first Test against New Zealand should not be used to define the entire team. He believes it would be unfair to judge his players based on that single performance alone.
India suffered an eight-wicket defeat against New Zealand in the series opener despite putting up a strong fight in the second innings, scoring an impressive 462 runs.
The captain stressed that a single poor performance does not determine his team's ability to deliver quality cricket and bounce back from challenging situations.

“I honestly won’t delve too much into this friendly because these three hours won’t determine what this team is. You know, because it would be unfair to reflect on those three hours and start judging players and talking a little differently,” Rohit said in the post-match press conference.
“It is important to maintain a consistent message within the group. We really found a way to get back into this game with the bat in the second inning. Of course we lost a friendly. But I feel like a lot of good things happened in this game.”
Rohit admitted that the Indian team made some minor mistakes during the game. However, he stressed the importance of maintaining composure and not panicking as we prepare for the upcoming encounter.

“We made small mistakes in this game and are suffering the consequences. “But that doesn’t mean it’s all over,”
“We have lost games like this before and then we made a comeback. So we will try not to think too much about this test.”
Rohit stressed the importance of staying united and staying strong as a team ahead of the second Test, which begins in Pune on October 24.
“Now it's just a matter of maintaining a very calm atmosphere and not spreading messages of panic. It’s important that we stay strong and try to see how we can get through the second game.”
Rohit expressed his happiness over Sarfaraz Khan being brought in as a replacement for Shubman Gill, who missed the first Test due to a stiff neck.
“At one point it felt like we were ahead in the game. We didn't feel like we were 350 points behind and I'm really proud of that. It’s always nice to have players like that waiting to play the game.”
“It was unfortunate that Shubman missed this game. Sarfaraz took advantage of this opportunity and scored a great 100. This is a good sign for the team,” he added.
The Mumbaikar mentioned that Gill is currently doing well but a decision on his availability for the second Test will be taken later.
Rohit also noted that Rishabh Pant, who scored a brilliant 99 in the second innings, needs to be managed carefully as he is still on his way back to top form.
Pant suffered a blow to his previously operated knee and was unable to take a wicket for the entire third day.
“He had major surgery on his leg. It's just a matter of being a little careful about where he is and what he is to us. Even when batting, he didn't walk comfortably. He was just trying to get the ball in the stands.
“So we have to be extra careful because he has had a lot of minor surgeries and major surgery on his knee. He also suffered trauma in the last year and a half.”
“So when you hold, you have to bend your knee. Since the wicket was like that, we thought the right thing to do was for him to stay in and then prepare 100% for the next wicket,” he explained.
Jasprit Bumrah delivered an impressive performance in the Test match by taking three wickets while keeping the runs under control.
However, his pace partner Mohammed Siraj was a bit disappointing. Despite taking two wickets in the first innings, Siraj struggled to make the desired impact as the second pacer.
Rohit, however, refused to criticize any particular bowler for his lackluster performance.
“Bumrah has a few wickets so I want him to bowl for a longer period (in the second innings). We really tried hard with the new ball, Siraj also bowled a brilliant spell but didn’t get the result we wanted.”