Team India’s bogey team New Zealand have once again inflicted a painful loss on the team, and this time in the Test format. The home turf which remained a fortress for India for over a decade has been breached by the Kiwis. Following a handsome victory by 7 wickets in Bengaluru, vibrant New Zealand startled India in Pune with its spin attack. The visitors scripted a historic 113-run win to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

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‘We are allowed one such performance in 12 years’: Rohit Sharma

It was 2012 when Team India last lost a Test series at home. Back then it was Alastair Cook’s England who left a wound on MS Dhoni ‘s illustrious leadership stint. Following that, Team India drew a string of series wins at home. However, the spree has been ended by Tom Latham’s New Zealand after 12 long years.

Enduring the pain of being beaten at home, skipper Rohit Sharma urged the media to cut the team some slack as side remained unbeaten for twelve years. Here’s what he said at the post-match press conference.

“Humko 12 saal main ekbar to allowed hai yaar. Itna collapses agar 12 saal se ho raha tha to shayad hum jeet he nahi hai paate. India me humara expectations bahut rehta hai, ki hum jo bhi match khelenge, jeetna he hai. Humne hi Team India’s bogey team New Zealand have once again inflicted a painful loss on the team, and this time in the Test format. The home turf which remained a fortress for India for over a decade has been breached by the Kiwis. Following a handsome victory by 7 wickets in Bengaluru, vibrant New Zealand startled India in Pune with its spin attack. The visitors scripted a historic 113-run win to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. aadat banaya hai wo, aap logo ka galti nahi hai, itna acha cricket Indian team ne khela hai to wo expectations ek level ke uppar chala gaya hai (We are allowed one such performance in 12 years. If we were collapsing like this on a regular basis then we would not have been winning at home. We have a lot of expectations. We are expected to win every game at our home, and it is because of our performances)” said Rohit Sharma.

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Netizens Slam Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma’s comments did not land well among the netizens, who criticised the captain for disseminating such message after loss.

The loss has also jolted India’s chances of making it to the WTC Final. Team India would not look to attain a consolation win in the 3rd Test and then the attention will shift to the Border Gavaskar Trophy, where India and Australia will square off in 5 Tests.