Sanjay Manjrekar, the former Indian cricketer, criticised skipper Rohit Sharma’s tactical choices. After the dramatic 8 wickets defeat of India in the first test against New Zealand various questions about strategies and tactics. 

Manjrekar voiced out some crucial tactical mistakes that might have helped the Kiwis to win their third test victory. Also for the first time in India since 1988. 

On the fifth day, Rohit's captaincy faced more criticism. With New Zealand needing 107 runs, he brought on Ashwin, India's top home bowler, only after 10 runs were scored, opting first for Siraj, who bowled seven wicketless overs.

Manjrekar, while talking to ESPNcricinfo stated, - “The thing with pacers, you might get wickets, but there are always runs coming through edges. I was a bit surprised, I think tactically for Rohit Sharma, this Test match wasn't his greatest.” 

“I can understand Siraj getting one or two overs and Bumrah getting a long spell. But Siraj getting 6 overs in that spell, I think that is far too many and already a lot of runs on the board, and you had that little margin to chase," he continued.

"And another part is Aswhin. When there is no lavish turn on the pitch, the captain tends to use him with a new ball. He would have been tough for the Kiwi batters had he started with Bumrah, and even if he had come in the fourth over of the inning," he added.

To keep up with the 18-match successive victories India need to win the upcoming two matches. Men in Blue will face New Zealand on 24th October for the second test match in Pune.