India captain Rohit Sharma admitted being bowled out for 46 in the first innings did indeed set them back, but he vowed that his team were ready to give it their all to win the next two matches after losing the Test series opener to New Zealand by eight wickets at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
On the second day of the game, which had been washed out on the first due to rain, India lost all ten wickets for 46 -- the third lowest score in Test cricket history and the lowest by Indians at home. Chased under overcast skies, India was undone by a grand exhibition of seam bowling by Matt Henry who claimed 5 wickets for 15 runs and Will O'Rourke, who took 4 wickets for 22 runs, an exhibition that played a big part in them losing the match.
"I said at the press conference after day two we knew it would be a challenge, overcast conditions, tricky pitch. We did not think we'll be all out for 46 but the due credit goes to NZ. It set us back and games like this will happen.
"Gotta take the good things forward. We've been here before, conceding home losses; these things happen. Two Tests to go, we know what it takes and will give it all in the next two Tests," said Rohit after the match.
India, though, gave themselves a chance by making 426 in the second innings, thanks to a counter-attacking 177-run stand for the fourth wicket between Sarfaraz Khan (150) and Rishabh Pant (99), Rohit remarked he was proud of how the two young batters played.
"It was a good effort with the bat in the second innings. We knew what lay ahead-get as many as possible. A couple of guys really stood out-was great to watch. When you are 350 behind, you can't think too much. Just have to try to bat the ball and see where the game goes. Was exciting to watch partnerships get us into the game.".
"We could've easily been bowled under 350, it's something we're proud of. Everyone's on the edge of their seats when Pant and Sarfaraz bat. Pant's was a mature innings; he's done it for a while, and he played his shots too. Sarfaraz was very clear and mature in just his third or fourth Test."
India is now 1-0 down in the three-match Test series, but will now head to Pune for the second Test with New Zealand from October 24-28 before the third and final game of the three-match series at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai from November 1-5.
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