Watch: Rohit Sharma's Rampage Ends in Heartbreak against New Zealand

On the third day of the first Test match between India and New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, Rohit Sharma was looking fantastic. After smashing a half-century, the Indian captain left the field after he unintentionally diverted a ball onto his stumps when facing Ajaz Patel.

On Friday, October 18, Rachin Ravindra was the outstanding batsman for New Zealand, scoring 134 off 157 balls, but India lost a 356-run first-innings advantage. Prior to New Zealand being bowled out for 402 in response to India's 46 in the first innings, Tim Southee also struck an impressive half-century.

Rohit Sharma left in shock:

well played captain but no so lucky today #INDvNZ #RohitSharma𓃵 pic.twitter.com/1g91RE0snr

— Sachin (@ha_me_hu) October 18, 2024

Yashasvi Jaiswal, who had established a strong 72-run partnership with Rohit, was lost by India just after tea. Rohit's ejection was a major setback as India began to show signs of revival. The ball bounced between his bat and pad as he tried a standard defensive shot, then clipped the stumps. Knowing that his participation was essential to helping India escape their grave situation, Rohit, who was clearly astonished, hid his face in bewilderment.

India had some hope following Rohit's 59-ball half-century, but he was dismissed soon after Virat Kohli joined him at the crease. Supporters expected the two veteran bats to form a strong partnership, but the reunion was short-lived due to Rohit's unfortunate exit.

Now that Sarfaraz Khan has entered at number 4, it is up to him and Kohli to turn around India's innings and win this game. The squad is fighting against the odds, so losing Rohit's wicket might be a game-changer. As they try to bounce back from their difficult start in Bengaluru, India's prospects of setting a competitive objective now lie on this new duo.

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