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India suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of New Zealand in the first Test match of the series, played in Bengaluru. The match ended with New Zealand claiming victory on Day 5, chasing down a target of 110 runs. This victory marked a historic moment for New Zealand, as it was their first Test win in India since 1988. The Indian team, led by Rohit Sharma, faced a major setback in the first innings, being bundled out for a dismal score of 46 runs – the lowest total by a home team in Asia. This disappointing performance stemmed from a questionable decision to bat first after winning the toss under overcast conditions. Despite the initial setback, India showed resilience in their second innings, scoring a respectable 462 runs. This resurgence was fueled by impressive performances from Sarfaraz Khan, who scored a century, and notable contributions from Rishabh Pant, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma, all of whom achieved half-centuries. Pant's innings was particularly noteworthy as he fell just one run short of a century.
Following the defeat, Pant took to X, formerly Twitter, to express his thoughts on the game. He acknowledged the team's struggles and the challenges they faced, writing, "This game will test your limits, knock you down, lift you up and throw you back again. But those who love it rise stronger every time. Thanks to the amazing Bengaluru crowd for the love, support and cheers. We will be back stronger." Pant's message highlighted the team's determination to bounce back and learn from their mistakes. He also expressed gratitude to the Bengaluru crowd for their unwavering support. Pant's performance in the second innings was further complicated by a knee injury he sustained during New Zealand's first innings. While keeping wickets, Pant was struck on his right knee by a delivery from Ravindra Jadeja. This incident forced him to leave the field and subsequently required him to be cautious in his batting, hindering his ability to run freely.
Rohit Sharma, the Indian captain, shed light on Pant's knee injury during the post-match press conference, confirming that Pant had undergone a major operation on his leg following a life-threatening road accident in December 2022. The injury impacted Pant's ability to run comfortably during his innings. Rohit acknowledged the need to carefully manage Pant's recovery and ensure his well-being, emphasizing the importance of being cautious with players facing injuries. Looking ahead, the Indian team is now gearing up for the second Test match of the series, which is scheduled to take place in Pune. With the series tied at 0-0, both teams are eager to gain an advantage and secure victory. The match in Pune promises to be another intense encounter, as India aims to regroup and bounce back from their initial loss.