Sanjay Manjrekar Criticizes Rohit Sharma's Captaincy in India's Test Defeat

Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has criticized Indian captain Rohit Sharma's tactics after India's first Test loss to New Zealand in Bengaluru. Manjrekar questioned Sharma's bowling decisions and praised the team's fightback in the second innings. India needs to avoid defeat in the upcoming matches to continue their winning streak.

Following India's first Test defeat to New Zealand in Bengaluru, former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has criticized the tactical decisions made by captain Rohit Sharma. The loss, marking New Zealand's first Test win on Indian soil since 1988, has brought Sharma's strategies under scrutiny, particularly on the final day of the match.

Manjrekar was notably critical of Sharma's choice to delay bringing in star bowler Ravichandran Ashwin, opting instead for Mohammed Siraj who failed to take wickets in back-to-back spells. Ashwin, a formidable force at home, was introduced only after 10 runs, leading Manjrekar to question Sharma's approach given the match situation.

Despite the defeat, Sharma lauded his team's resilience in the second innings, where India put up 462 runs after trailing by 356. For India to maintain their record of 18 home series wins, they need to perform better in the remaining two Tests, with the next match scheduled to begin in Pune on October 24.

(With inputs from agencies.)