India batting legend Sachin Tendulkar said that the lack of partnerships in Indian batting innings in the second do of the World Test Championship (WTC) final against New Zealand was the reason for their defeat.
He further said that India needed at least one big stand first up if they wished to escape with a draw or put New Zealand under pressure. India had resumed on reserve day on 64/2, but Kyle Jamieson removed both Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara in quick succession and that led to India folding for 170, setting New Zealand a target of 139 to win.
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"I'd mentioned that the first 10 overs on the last day would be critical. If we can last till drinks, then we had the firepower to accelerate. How Rishabh came and played some shots, and the rest too when they realized the game is a bit safer now. New Zealand couldn't chase, they'd have to defend, that's a change in mindset. But for that we needed a partnership upfront for that," Tendulkar said on his YouTube channel.
The Bharat Ratna awardee further said after India lost three quick wickets including Ajinkya Rahane, the rest of the lineup should have tried to buckle down instead of playing shots, while giving the example of Rishabh Pant, who got out trying to hit his way out, despite top-scoring with 41.
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"Not losing a wicket in the first 10-12 overs was very important but that's where New Zealand was successful in getting Kohli and Pujara out. They got out in quick succession and Rahane too got out which kept the pressure on India. And the batters had to hang in there," Tendulkar added.
"Rishabh tried to play shots and change the momentum so that if some runs could be scored, we could have given them a chance to bat, our bowlers a little more overs. But India lost wickets and the game was decided in the first 10-15 overs. If we'd had a partnership there, we could have been putting pressure on them,” Tendulkar concluded.
