Rohit Sharma criticises team’s performance after India's loss to England
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India's cricket team captain, Rohit Sharma, offered a straightforward assessment of his team's defeat against England in the first Test match in Hyderabad.
Despite dominating much of the match, a stellar performance from England's Ollie Pope and a seven-wicket haul from debutant Tom Hartley secured a crucial victory for the visitors.
When questioned about India's shortcomings against England, Rohit admitted that the team failed collectively, citing inadequate batting in the fourth innings as a key factor preventing a victory.
"Hard to pinpoint where it went wrong. Having got a lead of 190, we thought we were very much in the batting. Exceptional batting is one of the best I have seen in Indian conditions by an overseas batter. We bowled in the right areas. The bowlers executed the plans really well, you got to take your hat to Pope and say well played," he said.
"Overall, we failed as a team. We didn't bat well enough. I wanted them to take the game to the fifth day. The lower order fought really well there. You need to be brave enough, which I thought we weren't," Rohit expressed during the post-match presentation ceremony.
England secured a 28-run victory in the first Test, taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
Chasing a target of 231, India was dismissed for 202 in 69.2 overs on the fourth day. Debutant spinner Tom Hartley played a pivotal role, claiming 7/62 – one of the best figures by an overseas bowler in their debut match in India. Ollie Pope's remarkable innings of 196 contributed significantly to England's second innings total of 420.
In the morning session, India bowled out England for 420 in their second innings, setting the stage for a challenging chase that ultimately resulted in India's defeat.