Dear Lykkers. India captain Rohit Sharma has voiced his pride in his team for a remarkable comeback attempt in the first Test against New Zealand, after an initial collapse to their lowest-ever home total of 46.

Despite eventually losing the match by eight wickets, Rohit praised the team's resilience, highlighting their fighting spirit and determination to stay in the game.

A Shocking Start and a Determined Comeback

The Test opened with India batting under challenging overcast conditions, a decision that saw them bowled out for 46 runs in just 31.2 overs on day two—one of their lowest totals in history. This put the team on the back foot, with New Zealand taking a commanding lead. However, Rohit's decision to focus on resilience soon proved valuable as the team rallied in the second innings.

Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant Spark the Second Innings

Rising star Sarfaraz Khan showed exceptional grit, scoring 150 runs in only his fourth Test match, while Rishabh Pant played a fearless knock of 99, falling just short of a century. Their contributions were instrumental in helping India post a substantial total of 462, showing their resolve to stay competitive.

"To come out and play like that in the second innings, it felt like we were ahead in the game at one stage," Rohit remarked, proud of the way his players fought back against the odds.

New Zealand's Lead and Response

New Zealand's first innings saw them amass 402 runs, taking a massive 356-run lead over India. Captain Tom Latham acknowledged the intensity India brought to their comeback attempt, noting, "From our perspective, we knew India was going to come back. They kept challenging us, kept asking good questions."

This Test was New Zealand's first victory on Indian soil since 1988, with the team securing the target of 107 despite some early stumbles. The win marks a significant achievement for New Zealand and a reminder of the competitive nature of the game.

Rohit Sharma's Faith in His Team

Rohit expressed pride in his team's effort, emphasizing their never-give-up mentality. "We didn't feel like we were 350 behind, and that is something I-am really proud of," Rohit noted. He also highlighted the team's mindset, stating, "Whatever the situation of the game is, unless you believe it, you are not going to achieve it." For him, the fightback demonstrated that this Indian team would not be easily defeated, despite the odds.

Looking Forward with Confidence

Reflecting on the match, Rohit remarked on the importance of focusing on upcoming games rather than dwelling on the past. "We have lost such matches before, and we have made a comeback after that," he said. His forward-looking approach reflects his leadership style and his belief in the potential of his team to recover and succeed.

As the series progresses, India's focus will shift to learning from its mistakes and finding ways to execute more effectively. With two more Tests in the series, Rohit's men will have ample opportunities to demonstrate the resilience and skill they showed in their spirited fightback against New Zealand.