'This was not a 400-run wicket'- Rohit Sharma expresses displeasure over lack of support for Bumrah in Centurion

India skipper Rohit Sharma isn’t impressed with his pacers in the Boxing Day Test against South Africa in Centurion. Jasprit Bumrah picked up four wickets and was the star with the ball, while Mohammed Siraj picked up two and Shardul Thakur and Prasidh Krishna one each, leaking a lot of runs, as the hosts posted 408 runs in the second innings of the match. Barring Virat Kohli, none of the Indian batters could step up as the Rohit Sharma-led side suffered a humiliating innings and 32-run defeat.

After the defeat, the skipper mentioned that Bumrah didn’t get a lot of support and added that it wasn’t a 400-run wicket. He expects the other pacers to step up and play their roles and mentioned that the team should learn from South Africa’s bowling as they bundled India twice in just 101.5 overs.

“This was not a 400-run wicket and we gave too many runs. We sprayed the ball all around, but it happens. One can't depend on one particular bowler (Bumrah), the other three pacers also needed to perform their roles, we could learn from how South Africa bowled.

“Bumrah bowled well and we all know his quality. All he wanted was a bit of support which he didn't get. That happens. All three tried hard, bending their backs but didn't happen the way we wanted to. But games like these teaches you a lot as to what you want to do as a bowling unit,” Rohit was quoted as saying by NDTV.

When you get an opportunity, you should be grateful: Rohit

Rohit admitted that Prasidh is undercooked but mentioned that due to injuries of some pacers, he managed to get a crack as the conditions suited his style of bowling. The 36-year-old further mentioned that the pacer has all the tools to succeed in red-ball cricket as he needs to train his mind to perform under pressure.

“Of course, he is a little bit inexperienced. He has got the tools to come out here and play the game. Obviously, if I look at the bowlers that we have back in India, some of them are injured, some not available, so we tried picking guys who are available, based on conditions," he reasoned.

“I completely agree that he (Krishna) hasn't played a lot of (red ball) cricket but there are three guys in their team also, who haven't played a lot of (red ball cricket) but they showed what is required. More than what's there in the legs, I think it's in the mind. When you get an opportunity, you should be grateful and come out and do the job for the team. Obviously, it didn't work out well for him and playing your first game, we all would have been nervous, he would have been nervous as well,” the skipper mentioned.