Dear Lykkers! In a candid post-match press conference, Indian captain Rohit Sharma admitted his shot selection was "not up to the mark" during the recently concluded Test series against New Zealand.

While acknowledging his mistakes, Sharma defended his aggressive approach, emphasizing that he has no regrets about his style of play despite missing out on runs.

Rohit Sharma Stands by Aggression Despite Admitting Poor Shot Selection:

Sharma started his second-innings chase in the final Test with an attacking mindset, intending to chase down New Zealand's target of 147. His intent was clear as he sought to unsettle the bowlers, but his approach was cut short on 11 runs as he attempted a pull shot and was caught at mid-wicket. Reflecting on the shot, he said, "But, yeah, I-will say I-played a bad shot. But I-don't regret it, honestly speaking, because that has given me-a lot of success in the past. So I-will continue to do that."

Balancing Aggression and Consistency in Batting:

Sharma explained his aggressive strategy was aimed at putting pressure on New Zealand's bowlers, believing this approach could keep India in control of the game. "When you're chasing a target like that, you want to try and put the pressure on the bowlers. You can't allow bowlers to bowl on one particular spot. You have to try and do something about it," he stated.

Challenges with Shot Selection: Sharma openly discussed how he and the batting unit faced issues with shot selection. He admitted that his choice of shot was a misstep, yet he remains committed to his style. "I-will continue to do that," he added, affirming that this approach has proven successful in the past.

Batting Unit Underwhelms in the Series:

Reflecting on the series as a whole, Sharma pointed out that India's batting unit had underperformed, resulting in missed opportunities. "I- accept the fact that we were not good enough with the bat in the entire series," he shared. Sharma noted that while there were some high points, the inconsistency, especially in the first two matches, allowed New Zealand to gain the upper hand.

In the second Test, Sharma felt the target of 147 was attainable but admitted that the team "didn't apply" themselves fully. "We just were not good enough at the back," he explained, adding that "a lot of mistakes were made."

Focus on Improvements Moving Forward:

Sharma's reflection reveals a captain who is self-aware and willing to learn from both his and the team's performances. The skipper has been vocal about the need to improve the batting approach and ensure that players apply themselves in challenging chases. By blending an aggressive mindset with a refined approach to shot selection, Sharma hopes to strike a balance that leads to more consistent performances for the team in future series.

Sharma's confidence in his aggressive approach, despite some costly decisions, highlights his belief in calculated risks on the field. For fans, this approach shows a captain who isn't afraid to push boundaries, a trait that could be pivotal for Team India's success in the long run. As Sharma said, he's determined to continue pushing his game forward, learning from each challenge along the way.