We won four against England after losing first Test, says skipper Rohit Sharma
Bengaluru (PTI): Indian skipper Rohit Sharma is confident that his team will bounce back from the eight-wicket defeat against New Zealand in the opening Test by winning the next two games, just like it won four on trot against England earlier this year.
India paid the price for getting all out for 46 in the first innings, their lowest-ever total at home, despite special efforts from Sarfaraz Khan (150) and Rishabh Pant (99) in the second essay.
Rachin Ravindra was regal in both innings as he nullified India's ace spinners with ease.
"Games like these happen. We will move forward. We lost a game against England and won four games after that. We know exactly what is needed from each one of us," Rohit said at the post-match presentation ceremony here on Sunday.
He had been upfront in admitting that he read the conditions wrong but having said that, he never thought India would be bowled out for 46.
"I said in my press conference that we knew it will be sticky early on but we didn't expect to be out for 46. New Zealand bowled well and we failed to respond to that," Rohit said.
For the skipper, the silver lining was Sarfaraz and Pant's approach in the second innings where India scored 462 to set a target of 107.
"It was a good effort with the bat in the second innings. We didn't bat well in the first innings. So we knew what was ahead and couple of guys stood out.
"When you are 350 behind you can't think too much about it, just got to see the ball and bat. Couple of partnerships were really exciting to watch. We could have easily been bowled out cheaply but proud of the effort."
He was really happy that the young duo batted only in the manner they know.
"Everyone is on the edge of the seat when those two bat. Rishabh left a few balls and then played shots. Sarfaraz showed great maturity as well."
Practising on red and black soil in Chennai helped
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Rachin Ravindra is a Chennai Super 'King' and no wonder the city gave him ample opportunity to bat on red and black soil tracks in order to prepare for Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.
Ravindra's superb 134 off 157 in the first innings was largely responsible for New Zealand enjoying a 350-run lead and then he scored 39 not out in a tricky chase to earn the Player of the Match award.
"As long as I am clear and know my plan, it helps. Knowing when to go forward or back helps. Was trying to get a feel of different pitches while preparing in Chennai, red and black soil. Netted everyday, invaluable experience," Ravindra said.
"I try to be in good positions to be able to score, open up areas. Want to rotate strike too, not necessarily attack."
Ravindra's grandparents still live in Bengaluru and it was a special effort in front of his family members with his father in the stands.
"It's a nice city, was a nice wicket to bat on. Having family is emotional, phone starts blowing up, crowd too. Makes it even more special."
New Zealand skipper Tom Latham conceded that it was a good toss to lose taking conditions into account.
"I thought we'd bat, good toss to lose in the end. Guys put the ball in the right areas for a long time in the first innings and got rewards," Latham, only the third Black Caps skipper after Graham Dowling (1969) and John Wright (1988) to win a Test in India, said.
"I knew India would come back and they did but our bowlers showed up with the second ball. We know what a quality side India are, we thought the new ball would help them too, built a couple of big partnerships, hundred stand got us forward."
The skipper was all praise for William O'Rourke, who took seven wickets in the match.
"O'Rourke has been fantastic, has hit the international stage like he belongs. Hits the pitch hard and gets it to move in the air and off the pitch. Hard to face him in the nets.
"(Tim) Southee and (Matt) Henry too. Southee's partnership with Rachin was crucial. Rachin - a young guy who's played a few Tests, but he's slotted into a new role nicely over the last year. He settled the nerves with his batting today."
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Manipur Guv urges people to reaffirm commitment to peace, harmony on New Year
Imphal (PTI): Extending New Year greetings, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla called upon people to reaffirm their commitment to peace, harmony, and mutual respect.
Bhalla urged people to work together to foster lasting peace and stability in the state.
"I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to the people of Manipur on the joyous occasion of New Year's Day, 2026. As we step into 2026, let us collectively reaffirm our commitment to peace, harmony, and mutual respect," he said in a statement on New Year's Eve.
"Let this be a year in which we strengthen the bonds of brotherhood among all communities, uphold the values of unity in diversity, and work together to foster lasting peace and stability in the State," he said.
Bhalla said he was hopeful that 2026 would usher in greater understanding, prosperity, and well-being for all.
"May the spirit of cooperation and compassion guide us towards building a peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous Manipur," he said.
Manipur has been under the President's Rule since February 2025, with BJP leader N Biren Singh resigning as the chief minister amid criticism of his government's handling of the ethnic clashes that left over 260 people dead and thousands homeless.
Singh also extended New Year greetings, stating that he was confident 2026 would bring new opportunities, renewed trust, and steady progress for Manipur.
"May the coming year bring peace, good health, and prosperity to every household. Let us move forward together with renewed hope and unity," he said in a post on X.
State Congress president K Meghachandra Singh said he was hopeful that the New Year would bring peace, healing and justice to every family, restore trust and harmony among communities, and renew collective commitment to democracy, humanity and the rule of law.
"As we welcome the New Year, our thoughts are with the people of Manipur, who have endured a year of pain, uncertainty and loss. Yet, even in the darkest times, the spirit of Manipur has remained unbroken, resilient, compassionate and united in hope," he said in a post on X.
"Let this year be one of reconciliation, dignity and lasting peace, where every voice is heard, and every life is valued. Wishing all the people of Manipur a New Year filled with hope, strength and a shared future of peace," he added.
The Governor of Manipur extends warm greetings to the people of the State on the arrival of the New Year 2026, and conveys his best wishes for a year marked by peace, harmony, good health, and prosperity.#newyear2026 #LokBhavanImphal #GovernorOfManipur pic.twitter.com/G2er7hXYJp
— LOK BHAVAN, MANIPUR (@LokBhavManipur) December 31, 2025
