Rohit Sharma Eyes Third Test After Series Loss: ‘No Post-Mortem, Lessons from New Zealand, WTC Final Not a Focus’

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NEW DELHI: India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, has urged his team to shift their attention to the upcoming third Test against New Zealand, urging them not to dwell on their unexpected series loss. The Kiwis achieved a landmark 113-run victory in Pune on Saturday, ending India’s remarkable 12-year unbeaten record in home Test series and securing their maiden series win on Indian soil. Rohit stressed the importance of bouncing back quickly and focusing on the task at hand, acknowledging the historic nature of the defeat but emphasizing the need to move forward.

This defeat not only halted India’s impressive run of 18 consecutive home series wins but also put a serious dent in their aspirations of making it to the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final. With their lead in the WTC standings now reduced to just 0.32 percentage points, India faces a tough challenge ahead. They need to secure four wins from their remaining six Tests in the current cycle, including a tough five-match series against Australia.

Despite the disappointment and the growing pressure on their World Test Championship (WTC) aspirations, Rohit Sharma stressed that the team’s immediate focus must be on the upcoming third Test against New Zealand. “I’m feeling the sting of this loss,” Rohit admitted in the post-match press conference. “The pitch wasn’t conducive to scoring high, but we must approach the final Test with a better mindset and more intent. Our focus right now is not on the WTC Final; we need to concentrate on the game ahead and find a way to bounce back.” Rohit’s words underscored the importance of staying grounded and focusing on the next challenge instead of being distracted by long-term goals.

Rohit was quick to highlight India’s outstanding home record, reminding both the team and fans of the remarkable consistency over the years. “While it’s true we’ve lost the last two matches, let’s not forget we’ve won 18 consecutive home series, which speaks volumes about our efforts and consistency,” Rohit reflected. “Our performance over the years has been nothing short of exceptional.” Rather than getting bogged down by a detailed analysis of the loss, Rohit chose to focus on the resilience the team has demonstrated throughout the series. He acknowledged the challenges they faced and emphasized the need to stay positive, recognizing that setbacks are part of the game but don’t define the team’s overall strength and character.

The India captain also took time to credit New Zealand’s batters for their calm and composed approach in tough conditions. “I don’t want to question anyone’s potential,” Rohit remarked. “These players have kept us unbeaten at home for so long, so there’s no need for a post-mortem. But we must focus on how to emerge stronger from such situations, and our batters should trust their plans moving forward.”

Rohit also highlighted the critical role of managing pressure and exercising patience in cricket, acknowledging how New Zealand’s batters expertly utilized these qualities. “New Zealand’s batters demonstrated that by applying consistent pressure on the bowlers and maintaining patience, the game can shift in your favor,” he remarked. Rohit further emphasized that this approach was a key factor in New Zealand’s success and a lesson for his team moving forward.

With the final Test against New Zealand just around the corner, India is determined to restore their pride and finish the series on a positive note. At the same time, the team is preparing for the challenges ahead, particularly their upcoming series against Australia, which will be crucial for their WTC ambitions.

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