Ganesh Kendale
NEW DELHI: Indian captain Rohit Sharma found himself in the spotlight after a cheeky comment aimed at a New Zealand batter was caught on the stump mic during India’s defeat in the first Test in Bengaluru.
The viral moment occurred when Rohit was heard telling Ravichandran Ashwin, “Lefty ko out karna hai yaar mereko. Zyada hero ban raha hai woh (I want to dismiss the left-handed batter.He is trying to be oversmart).”
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The comment appeared to target New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra, who played a pivotal role in the match.
Ravindra, who recently made headlines with a stunning 134 against India in the first innings, frustrated the Indian bowlers during the chase in the second innings and guided New Zealand to their first Test win on Indian soil in 36 years.
New Zealand chased down 107 runs on the final day to register a remarkable eight-wicket victory at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The win marked New Zealand’s first Test victory in India since 1988, when John Wright’s side had defeated the hosts by 136 runs at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.
After rain and a wet outfield delayed play by an hour on the last day, India’s bowlers—led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj—put New Zealand’s batters under early pressure. Bumrah dismissed Tom Latham for a six-ball duck and later trapped Devon Conway for 17, leaving New Zealand at 35/2.
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However, Rachin Ravindra (39 not out) and Will Young (48 not out ) steadied the innings with a crucial partnership to see their team home inside 28 overs.
The calm partnership ensured that India’s hopes of a comeback slipped away as New Zealand clinched a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Despite the loss, India displayed resilience after being bowled out for just 46 in the first innings.
With the second Test starting on October 24 in Pune, Rohit Sharma and coach Gautam Gambhir face tough selection decisions—especially with Sarfaraz Khan scoring 150 in Bengaluru and Shubman Gill likely to return from injury.
