Ind vs NZ – Rohit not bothered by Ashwin and Jadeja’s return – Expected a lot from those guys

“I mean, look, there’s a lot of expectation on these two guys,” Rohit said of Ashwin and Jadeja. “Every match they play they are expected to take wickets, they are expected to run between the team and they are expected to win Test matches for us. I don’t think that is right, it is the job of all of us to do that. We are sure that we win the Test match, not just two guys.”

Jadeja also struggled against New Zealand’s aggressive style. Despite India posting a short third and deep punt, Devon Conway, for example, continued to sweep and deflect with offensive enterprise. Such shots disrupted not only the lines and lengths of the top spinners but also the fields that Rohit had set.

Rohit refused to read too much into these numbers and said that it is only natural that even Ashwin and Jadeja have off days.

“Yes, by their standards, they know where they stand and what they couldn’t do or didn’t do well,” said Rohit. “But then again, they’ve both played a lot of cricket here and they’ve played a big part in our success of having an 18-series home streak. [wins]. These two played a big role in that. A few series, I won’t watch it too much, especially with those two guys.

“They know what’s going on and sometimes they’re allowed to have bad games here and there and not go with the expectation that this is my chance to take wickets and run at the opposition. That’s not always going to happen. You’ve got to be ready for the other guys to come in.”

Rohit was against putting too much pressure on Ashwin and Jadeja and asked that the responsibility be shared with other bowlers.

“As we keep talking to the batsmen, it is not the work of a few people, it is a united batting group that needs to come together,” said Rohit. “It’s the same with the bowling unit. If Ash is not doing well, it is Jadeja who should come to the party or Washy. [Washington Sundar] or Kuldeep [Yadav] or Axar [Patel]boys.”

“Washy had a good game, I am proud of that,” said Rohit. “He’s proud of that and we’re happy with the way he played. He threw very well.”