India captain Rohit Sharma vows to have quiet chat with ‘certain individuals’ after New Zealand series loss

India captain Rohit Sharma said he is proud of his playing unit but vows not to overreact to the first-series defeat at home in 12 years against New Zealand. The Kiwis won the second Test in Pune by 113 runs, claiming their fourth Test and maiden series victory in India, ending India’s unbelievable reign at home. He, however, confirmed to be sitting down with ‘certain individuals’, chatting and reflecting on their performances in this series.

Meanwhile, Rohit’s form remains a huge worry for him and India, especially knowing what’s following next – the daunting tour of Australia. In the second game, the Indian skipper failed to get going across both innings, getting out on a duck and eight, respectively. Although he struck a fifty (52) in the second innings in the first Test in Bengaluru, which India lost by eight wickets, he got out on just two in the first innings.

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Speaking to the reporters after the match, Rohit said he would not react differently because India lost one home series in 12 years. Rohit added India has had more good moments than bad ones and that he wishes to keep the negativity out of the dressing room.

"I just said it because of these three sessions, I am not going to react differently. Look at the number of games we have won in India. I was just watching the television, out of the 54 Test matches, we have won 42, which is nearly 80 per cent. 

“There are more good things that have happened than bad things. I don't want to react so much that guys within the team start thinking that something different is happening. I don't want to create that kind of environment where people start doubting themselves,” the Indian captain said after the Pune Test loss. 

‘No excuses, we need to work harder’

Rohit said he knew the gravity of this loss but insisted on not changing his way of approaching the game or his teammates.

"You don't need to overreact. But you need to have a quiet chat with certain individuals and let them know where they are at and what, as a team, we require from them. I don't think you need to make them sit in a team room on a one-on-one basis, and go through their innings and tell them this is what you should be doing. I don't think this is the right forum to do that.

“Just because we have lost a series, I don't think there is anything that we need to talk differently or do differently. But yeah, we need to find ways to come out of those situations,” Rohit added.

Meanwhile, the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai will host the third and final Test starting November 1st. 

(With inputs from agencies)