Rohit Sharma hints at daring decisions and aggressive intent as uncertain weather looms over Bengaluru Test

Captain Rohit Sharma hinted at the aggressive and bold approach, as India is gearing up to take on New Zealand in the three-match Test series, which is part of the ongoing 2023-25 cycle of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC).

As the weather is all set to play spoilsport for the first two days of the first Test at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, Rohit Sharma said that the Indian cricket team is ready to make a daring decision to push for victory against New Zealand.

Rohit Sharma ready to push for victory despite rain challenges in Bengaluru Test

With India gearing up for their upcoming challenge in Bengaluru, the skipper recalled how in Kanpur, despite losing two days to rain, the team pushed for a massive win against Bangladesh. The hosts had won the second and final Test by seven wickets despite the two days being rained out in Kanpur.

While the persistent rain already canceled Team India’s last practice session in Bengaluru and there are high chances of rain on Day 1 and Day 2 of the first Test, Rohit remained focused on the bigger picture, as he emphasized that India's mindset is clear—they're in it to win.

The conditions ahead are uncertain, and the Indian captain is eager to adapt based on the situation, hinting at the bold decisions and a fighting spirit from the hosts in the upcoming Test series opener against New Zealand. His message was simple: regardless of what comes, India will aim for victory.

We want to try and win games: Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma said at the pre-match press conference in Bengaluru ahead of the first India versus New Zealand Test: “We'll see how the days pan out. Then we will take a call. In Kanpur, we didn't get the game on two days and then decided to go for the win. I don't know what it is going to be here. We'll see what lies ahead of us and then take a call. We want to try and win games.”

Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma also revealed that India is yet to finalize their playing XI for the first Test against New Zealand at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. He mentioned that the team management is yet to decide due to the unpredictable weather in Bengaluru.

It all depends on the conditions: Rohit Sharma on India's XI for Bengaluru Test

Despite the uncertainty, the Indian captain confirmed that at least two spinners will feature in the playing XI, with the possibility of including a third depending on the conditions.

With rain expected to impact at least three days of the Bengaluru Test, India may consider a bowling attack comprising three seamers and two spinners to adapt to the conditions against the Kiwis.

The Indian skipper signed off by saying, “It all depends on the conditions. Today it has been raining. The pitch is under covers. We will take a call tomorrow morning on 3 pacers or 2 pacers and our best-playing XI. We are keeping our options open.”