India captain Rohit Sharma and his team were under a lot of pressure after losing the Test series two successive times to New Zealand. The Indians lost their first home Test series in a dozen years while it was New Zealand’s maiden series win ever on Indian soil in the traditional format of the game. Newly-wedded Rohit was also questioned in the press-conference regarding the below-par performance of the team in the second Test where most frontline veteran bowlers failed.
Rohit Sharma Backs Ashwin And Jadeja
“I don’t think that’s fair, it’s the responsibility of all of us to make sure that we get the Test match wins. Not just the two guys, they have played a major role in helping us win 18 consecutive series at home. So couple of series, I’m not going to look too much into it especially with those two guys. They know exactly what happens and sometimes they’re allowed to have some bad games here and there. We got to be ready with other guys also to step in,” said Rohit.
Rohit Sharma Labels The Criticisms “Unfair”
Speaking on the 113-run loss at Pune, Rohit came in in defence of Ashwin and Jadeja stating how important the two spinners were to India’s record-setting 18 successive series victories on home soil. The former, however, claimed six wickets from the series, while the latter picked up as many but those five overs were witnessed at an astonishing average of 43.50 and 37.50, respectively. Rohit termed the backlash the two received post-match as “unfair”.
“If Ash doesn’t do well it’s Jadeja who needs to come to the party or Washy or Kuldeep or Axar. So it has to be shared amongst everyone.”
Rohit Sharma “Happy” With Washington Sundar’s Performance
On a positive note, the consolation remained with the form of Washington Sundar. Not only did he take 11 wickets as he contained seven in the first and four in the second innings.
“We’re really happy with that.” Rohit Sharma on Washington Sundar’s performance
“It can happen that things won’t work out for them,” Rohit mentioned about having patience with veteran players
This particular defeat seems to have badly dented India’s chances of making it to the World Test Championship final. The team now has to win four of the six remaining matches to stay alive. The third Test will be played at Wankhede Stadium on November 1.
