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After India's 2-0 series loss to New Zealand, which ended an almost 12-year unbeaten run in home Test series, skipper Rohit Sharma came under heavy fire from Indian cricket fans for his post-match comments. Rohit acknowledged the team's long-standing dominance during the post-match press conference following the October 26 Test loss to Pune, but he said that a single series loss after more than ten years was not reason for concern.
The defeat dealt an unanticipated blow to India's preparations for the forthcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia. New Zealand's decisive 113-run triumph in Pune followed India's humiliating loss in the first Test in Bengaluru, which was anticipated to be a straightforward home series. Fans and commentators alike are wondering if the squad is prepared for next challenges in light of the series loss, particularly as they prepare for the Australian tour that starts on November 22.
"We have lost only 2 games. We have won so many matches in India, where batters have played well in bad pitches, why are we not focusing on that? This is the first time that we have collapsed. 12 saal me ek baar to allowed hai yaar. If we were collapsing since 12 years, we would have not won anything. Expectations are high in India that we have to win every thing. We have made that habit. It is not your fault, it is us who have held ourselves to the best standards," Rohit said in the post-match presentation
"It has happened in the last two Test matches, we’ve won 18 consecutive series at home which means we’ve done a lot of things right. We’ve performed exceptionally well over the past number of years. Hence, I won’t go too deep into it and that we’ve messed up a lot. I think in 2-3 innings we underperformed with the bat, but it happens when you’re performing consistently for so long, you come to a loss," Rohit added.
Rohit stated in his remarks that he preferred to concentrate on putting his team back on track for the last Test match against New Zealand in Mumbai, which begins on November 1, rather than placing unnecessary pressure on them. Critics counter that the team's performance showed an excessive dependence on veteran players, especially Virat Kohli and Rohit, who both found it difficult to produce reliable innings while under duress. In a similar vein, New Zealand was able to capitalize and gain momentum when India's bowling team faltered at pivotal times.
India's immediate attention turns to the Mumbai Test as the Border-Gavaskar Trophy approaches. The squad has the chance to recover, establish its combinations, and restore some lost confidence in this final home game. Before the pivotal series against Australia, a win in Mumbai might not only help the team get back into rhythm but also provide as a vital morale boost.
