Parthiv Patel has shown surprise about Rohit Sharma’s decision not to introduce R Ashwin early into the attack in New Zealand’s second innings of the first Test. He added that Ashwin is one of the most potent bowlers in the fourth innings and he should have bowled as
much as possible. New Zealand defeated India by eight wickets in Bengaluru on Sunday, October 20, to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series as well.

During a discussion on Colors Cineplex, Patel said, “It was slightly surprising because you want your main bowler to bowl as much as possible. In fact, we were discussing whether he would bowl with the new ball or not because he is even more effective with the new ball, especially when he bowls in the fourth innings. So Rohit Sharma’s captaincy was definitely slightly surprising. When he (Ashwin) came to bowl for two overs, there also he beat the batter two or three times. I feel when he (Rohit) looks back or goes to the press conference, he will definitely be asked why he didn’t bowl Ravichandran Ashwin.”

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In the same discussion, Parthiv Patel also shared his views on Rohit Sharma’s decision to bat first in the game.

“India might have lost the Test but I still don’t feel that decision was wrong. It’s true that the way India batted and got out for 46, they fell way behind in the game. However, I don’t think that decision was wrong. Even after that, India had opportunities to come back in the Test match. When Rachin Ravindra and Tim Southee had a partnership of over 130 runs, you had a chance there. After that, when Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant were batting and Sarfaraz got out, you had a chance to build partnerships. If you had taken the 110-run target to 170 or close to 200, it would have been a different game,” Parthiv Patel concluded.