Former cricketer Manoj Tiwary pointed out two glaring mistakes in Rohit Sharma's captaincy during India’s eight-wicket defeat in the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru.

He also slammed Gautam Gambhir for not guiding Rohit, who introduced R Ashwin into the bowling attack when the match was almost done on Day 5.

Ashwin has taken a record 197 wickets in the second innings of a Test match for India. However, as India looked to defend a modest total of 107, Rohit used Ashwin as a fifth bowler in the innings when the Kiwis needed just 10 runs to win.

“Rohit admitted that he misread the pitch which is why India picked the wrong playing XI. India should have played two spinners, instead of three. And I had predicted that one of the spinners would be under-bowled, but I never imagined that would be Ashwin. He has over 500 wickets. When you are defending 107, why didn't you bring him in the attack alongside Jasprit Bumrah," Tiwary said while speaking on Cricbuzz.

“Sometimes good captains also make mistakes, that is why the role of a coach is so important with providing constant guidelines. I don't know why that did not happen,” he added.

The former Bengal skipper further stated that India should rethink about playing Mohammed Siraj as their second pacer after the right-arm quick failed to pick up a second-innings wicket in the last seven Test matches.

Instead, Tiwary wants India to opt for an in-form Akash Deep, who picked five wickets in the recently held two-Test series against Bangladesh. He also called for young tearaway Mayank Yadav’s inclusion if India do require three fast bowlers.

“I believe that if you have a bowler who is in rhythm, is picking wickets in international and domestic cricket, and has that X factor as well, pick him in the squad and play him. Siraj has not picked a single wicket in the second innings in Tests this year, which is quite concerning. He should have been rested for a few games, so that he gets the time to focus on the basics and work on his release. We have a lot of back-up bowlers. Akash Deep performed impressively against Bangladesh. His confidence level was high. He never would have imagined not playing the first Test in those conditions. He must have been left shocked not seeing his name in the playing XI. But he is certain to bounce. You also have Mayank Yadav in Bengaluru with the team, right after featuring in the T20I series. Players like him should have been used,” Tiwary remarked.

The second Test between India and New Zealand is slated to be held in Pune from October 24.