Rohit Sharma makes bold statement on Bengaluru crowd's 'role' after defeat to New Zealand

Team India skipper Rohit Sharma expressed his disappointment after suffering an eight-wicket loss against New Zealand during the first Test match in Bengaluru. Rohit Sharma said that they wanted to start the three-match series with a victory and added that they fought back despite that poor second day.

The Indian team suffered an eight-wicket loss in the first Test match at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday, October 16. They lost the match despite the first day being washed out and other days also witnessing spells of showers. It was the third home Test loss under Rohit's captaincy career.

It’s worth mentioning that the Men in Blue also lost the first Test against England earlier this year. However, they bounced back to win the remaining four matches to secure the series victory. The Indian cricket team whitewashed the Bangladesh cricket team in their recent two-match Test series at home.

You Don't Want To Play Casual Cricket - Rohit Sharma

Speaking at the post-match press conference after the loss in the first Test, Rohit Sharma said that he was disappointed over not winning the opening match. He admitted that the team fought back despite a tough start. Rohit added that his team is eager to win the upcoming second Test in Pune.

"Everytime we play the first Test, you don't want to lose it. You don't want to play casual cricket. You want to win it. We came pretty close against England. Here also we fought back despite that first day," Rohit told reporters, as quoted by RevSportz Global.

"I am not going to look too much into this Test because those first three hours are not going to judge this team. We found a way to comeback in this Test. I am really proud of each and everyone. Looking forward to the second Test in Pune. It's about keeping a calm atmosphere," he added.

We respect them and know how much of a role they play for us - Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma expressed gratitude for the passionate crowd in Bengaluru, highlighting their love for cricket and the team. He acknowledged that the fans showed remarkable dedication by waiting for the match to start and stated that the crowd played a significant role in motivating the team.

"Very passionate crowd in Bengaluru. They love the sport, they love the team. For them to come here and keep waiting for the match to start shows the passion. The crowd wanted us to win the game and the crowd was right behind us. We respect them and know how much of a role they play for us. We are grateful to have people watch us play," Rohit stated.

India To Face New Zealand In Second Test In Pune

India displayed impressive resilience after being dismissed for 46 runs. Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant formed a 177-run stand for the fourth wicket, leading fans to believe that India could clinch a victory. However, a collapse in the lower-middle order shifted the momentum in favor of the opposition.

The second Test of the series between India and New Zealand will be played at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, starting on Thursday, October 24.

Also read: After Tests, Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi to be dropped from Pakistan's White-Ball squads