In a reflection on India’s uncharacteristic Test series defeat at home, Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has opened up about the team’s shortcomings with the bat, particularly their struggle against spin bowling. The home side experienced their first Test series loss on Indian soil in over 12 years after succumbing to a 113-run defeat in the second Test against New Zealand in Pune. The setback has sparked a debate about the decline in India’s batting robustness against spin, an area where they have historically excelled and dominated.
Rohit Sharma, known for his candid yet balanced appraisals, didn’t shy away from pointing out the team’s deficiencies, albeit without resorting to overly critical or sensational remarks. He acknowledged the need for the Indian batters to adopt new and varied strategies to counter the threat posed by quality spin bowling, drawing inspiration from their visitors who executed their game plans effectively on the challenging pitch at Pune.
After the match, Rohit reflected on the pivotal first innings where India managed only 156 runs, setting the stage for an uphill battle. “We didn’t bat well in the first innings. The conditions were challenging, yet not impossible. Scoring only 150 puts us on the back foot, and our batters understand that the pressure and challenge were not met adequately,” he remarked.
The Indian skipper emphasized the imbalance created by a significant first innings deficit, acknowledging the growing difficulty of chasing 350 in the final innings. Despite promising partnerships, particularly between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, the inability to sustain those partnerships resulted in quick wickets, sealing the fate of the match for India.
Rohit also highlighted the intelligent maneuvering by the New Zealand batsmen, who had shown adaptability through alternative scoring techniques, thereby increasing pressure on the Indian bowlers. Their innovative approaches—such as reverse sweeps and paddles—enabled them to manipulate field settings favorably and led to more scoring opportunities. Rohit pointed to England’s Ollie Pope and his successful adaptation against Indian spinners in past matches, attributing their approach as a blueprint that India needs to consider.
“You have to find ways to get runs and put pressure on bowlers,” Rohit explained, elaborating on the necessity to explore shots like paddles and reverse sweeps.
. These techniques effectively force field adjustments, thereby opening gaps for more traditional shots. “The New Zealand batters exploited these situations well, and this allowed them to break the fielding discipline of our bowlers.”
Rohit advocated for a collective batting approach where every player is responsible for stepping up and scoring under pressure. He defended spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja despite their lackluster series, emphasizing that relying solely on their prowess while expecting them to consistently deliver match-winning performances is unfair. Citing historical contributions, he reinforced the idea of a collaborative bowling effort, especially when leading figures are not at their best.
“It’s not just about two guys delivering every time,” Rohit said. “Each member of the bowling unit needs to be ready to step up. If Ashwin or Jadeja have an off day, others like Washington Sundar or Kuldeep must fill the gap.”
Rohit Sharma underscored the need for a strategic rethink without overhauling the entire system following this unexpected series loss. He spoke about maintaining a certain stability and not succumbing to drastic changes due to a single setback, emphasizing that this defeat warrants introspection rather than panic.
“There is an expectation to win every match at home, given our past track record. But the outcome of one series doesn’t erase the capability or talent we’ve displayed over the years,” he stated, urging for practical adjustments rather than wholesale changes.
Reflecting the spirit of Indian cricket’s past resilience, Rohit concluded on a note of optimism mixed with pragmatism, signaling that while there is room for growth, the foundational strength remains robust. As India assesses its approach following this series, the captain’s focus remains on evolving their game intelligently to counter different playing conditions and opponents.