Pant and Sarfaraz earmarked for special praise by Rohit after matured innings by both batters took them to a lead.
Pant and Sarfaraz got special praise from skipper Rohit Sharma in the aftermath of their 8-wicket loss to New Zealand.
India’s loss today was the first time they a lost a home test to New Zealand in 36 years. But before the loss, Pant and Sarfaraz enthralled everyone with a spunky 177-run stand that almost took the game away from the Kiwis.
India lost the match by eight wickets after being bowled out for 46 on the second day, their lowest Test score at home. However, Sarfaraz’s 150 and Pant’s 99 helped them overcome the 356 deficit.
“When those two are batting, everyone’s on the edge of the seat because they like to play the game which has got them success,” Rohit told the broadcaster after the game. “You’ve seen it over time with Rishabh, the way he bats, obviously takes a bit of risk, but I thought it was a very mature innings. [He] defended good balls, left few balls as well, and then, again, backed himself to play those shots, and that is what he’s all about.
“Not to forget Sarfaraz. Sarfaraz, as well, playing in only his third or fourth Test match [fourth], to show that kind of maturity [was great], and [he was] very clear in his mind what kind of shots he wants to play. When you’re clear in your mind, you find yourself in good seat.”
After New Zealand had scored 402, Rohit was happy with the tenacity displayed by India’s hitters in their second innings.
“When you are 350 runs behind, you can’t think too much about it. All you got to do is try and bat the ball, as simple as that. That was the plan,” Rohit said. “We wanted to bat and see where the game goes. A couple of big partnerships there, really was exciting to watch, and put us back in the game. Like I said, when you’re 350 behind, it could have been easily [a situation] where we could have [been] bowled out before even getting 350. It was a great effort with the bat, something as a team we’re very proud of.”