What KL Rahul did in first innings is perfect example of intent: Rohit Sharma

In the aftermath of India's loss to South Africa in the Centurion Test, skipper Rohit Sharma lauded KL Rahul's stellar century in the first innings as the 'perfect example of intent'. Despite challenging conditions, Rahul's steadfast knock of 101 stood out in India's total score of 245 after being put in to bat. 

Rohit, in a post-match press conference, highlighted Rahul's batting prowess, citing it as the exemplary intent the team anticipates from its batters. Despite the team's eventual defeat by an innings and 32 runs on the third day of the Boxing Day Test, Sharma emphasized the wicketkeeper-batter's resilient display. Moreover, he also commended Rahul's effort in adverse circumstances.

"What KL Rahul did in the first innings is the perfect example of the intent, at the same time respecting the conditions as well. At the end of the day, he scored runs at a strike rate of 71, and he put the bad balls away. That is what we talk about intent. We don't want to just go and swing our bats. If there are conditions we'll do that. There is a very thin line," Rohit said during the press conference after the game. 

"Every individual is quite different and we try to talk to every individual in the way they want to play. Obviously, keeping the conditions in mind, what better they can do as well,” he further added.

Rohit backs his team to win New Year's Test

Arriving in South Africa burdened by a history of winless Test series, Team India aimed to reverse their fortunes with a blend of fresh talents and seasoned players. The setback in the initial Test dashed their immediate hopes of rewriting history on South African soil. Despite this, the India captain remained resolute as he expressed confidence in his team's ability to stage a strong comeback in the upcoming New Year’s Test. The loss meant postponing India's quest for a maiden Test series triumph in the Rainbow Nation to a future tour.

"It's not always going to be happy days for the captain. On days like these, the captain needs to stand up and get around the team more than anything else... We can learn from what went wrong. But when you take the job, you will have days like this. I have full confidence in the guys we have here now. But now it's about getting together and standing for each other," Rohit concluded.