India suffered an eight-wicket loss to New Zealand in the first Test in Bengaluru, ending the Kiwis’ 36-year winless streak on Indian soil. Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar highlighted Rohit Sharma’s captaincy errors, particularly in bowling strategies, that contributed to the defeat.
India’s First Test Defeat Against New Zealand: A Tactical Misstep
India’s much-anticipated Test series against New Zealand began with a heavy defeat at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
The Kiwis broke their 36-year winless streak on Indian soil by securing an eight-wicket victory, raising questions about India’s approach in the game.
The first innings saw India collapse for a mere 46 runs, with only a valiant comeback in the second innings giving hope. Sarfaraz Khan‘s impressive 150 and Rishabh Pant‘s 99 put India back on track, but the early damage proved too much.
New Zealand, led by Rachin Ravindra‘s commanding century and Devon Conway‘s steady 91, chased down a 107-run target with ease.
Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar expressed his concerns about Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, pointing out key decisions that may have cost India the match.
Manjrekar’s focus was on Rohit’s questionable bowling changes during New Zealand’s chase, particularly his over-reliance on pacers and under-utilisation of star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.
Manjrekar Criticises Rohit’s Bowling Strategy
Speaking on ESPNcricinfo, Sanjay Manjrekar singled out Rohit’s choice to give Mohammed Siraj an extended six-over spell, despite unfavourable conditions for the pacer.
“I can understand Siraj getting one or two overs and Bumrah getting a long spell. But Siraj getting 6 overs in that forespell, I think that is far too many and already a lot of runs on the board, and you had that little margin to chase,” Manjrekar said.
Manjrekar suggested that Jasprit Bumrah should have bowled a longer spell instead.
Additionally, he highlighted the limited use of Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s premier spinner, as a significant error.
“Another part is Aswhin. When there is no lavish turn on the pitch, the captain tends to use him with a new ball. He would have been tough for the Kiwi batters had he started off with Bumrah, and even if he had come in in the fourth over of the innings,” said the former batter.
“The thing with pacers, you might get wickets, but there are always runs coming through edges… I was a bit surprised, I think tactically for Rohit Sharma, this Test match wasn’t his greatest,” Manjrekar added.
Rohit Under Pressure Ahead of Second Test
With this loss, the pressure mounts on Rohit Sharma to make better tactical decisions in the upcoming second Test in Pune.
The team will need to regroup and address the shortcomings, especially in their bowling strategy, if they hope to level the series.
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