Rohit Sharma lauds Sarfaraz, Pant for mature knocks; backs India to give it all in remaining two Tests vs NZ

India captain Rohit Sharma said the hosts would give it all in the remaining two matches against New Zealand following conceding the Bengaluru game by eight wickets. Speaking to the broadcaster after the first Test that ended with the Kiwis winning it by eight wickets inside the first session on day five, Rohit said it was never easy to come back from getting all out on 46 in the first innings, but Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant’s heroics in the second innings kept them in the game.

The skipper lauded the two run-scores for showing maturity while batting in the third innings, with the team trailing by 356 runs. Although India took the lead with seven wickets remaining (at that time), a late strike from New Zealand seamers dented their momentum, removing their last seven wickets for just 54 runs.

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“It was a good effort in the second innings with bat. We knew what lies ahead, get as many as possible. A couple of guys stood out, was great to watch. When you're 350 behind, can't think too much. Just have to try and bat the ball and see where the game goes,” Rohit said after the first Test.

“(It) 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 the seat when Pant and Sarfaraz bat. Pant's was a mature innings, he's done it for a while, he played his shots too,” the skipper lauded Rishabh Pant for his fabulous 99 in the second innings.

Speaking of Sarfaraz, who came in as the last-minute replacement for injured Shubman Gill, Rohit said how he batted showed maturity and was highly impressive.

“Sarfaraz was very clear and mature in just his third or fourth Test,” Rohit said of the young middle-order batter.

Rohit credits New Zealand for breaking deadlock

New Zealand hasn't won a Test in India in the past 36 years, with their last win coming in Mumbai, in 1998; however, after folding India on 46 – their lowest Test total at home and third-lowest overall in the first innings, the Kiwis gave them a real chance of making history, which they eventually did.

“(46 all out) I said it at the press conference after day 1, we knew it'd be a challenge, with overcast conditions and tricky pitch. We didn't think we'll be 46 all out, but due credit 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,” the India captain noted.

Meanwhile, Pune will host the second Test between India and New Zealand on Thursday (Oct 24).

(With inputs from agencies)