The Tamil Nadu opener admitted that it was a combination of both bad shot selection and difficult pitch that resulted in India being reduced to 291/9 from a strong position of 154/1.
Call it a confidence of playing at home or judging the character of Kanpur's Green Park after spending more than half-a-day on the wicket, India's highest scorer of Day One, Murali Vijay is confident that a total of around 300 in first innings would be good enough to put pressure on the visiting New Zealand side.
The Tamil Nadu opener admitted that it was a combination of both bad shot selection and difficult pitch that resulted in India being reduced to 291/9 from a strong position of 154/1.
"The wicket was also deteriorating, but we also got out to some bad shots as well. One needs to be patient on this wicket and hopefully we will not repeat this show in the second knock," Vijay said after the day's play on Thursday.
Vijay spent more than 58 overs in the middle. But he, too, like others, was a culprit of playing bad shot against leggie Ish Sodhi that resulted in him being caught behind. "I admit it was a bad shot selection. I can really work on that and put up a better show in the second innings," came the reply.
The opener was sounding confident about India's chances of forcing a result here despite playing only four bowlers. "The wicket is on the slower side and it is going to be difficult to score runs. That is what I have experienced during my stay there. It would not be any easy ask for them against quality spinners like Ashwin and Jadeja on Friday. Hopefully, it's going to be a good day for us," a confident looking Vijay said.
However, Vijay jumped to the defence of struggling Rohit Sharma when asked what was the kind of reaction in the dressing room when the latter got out playing an irresponsible shot. "That's his area… When it comes out good, it looks good. When it does not, you fall on the wrong side. We still have got to back our instincts," came the answer.
"At the end of the day, we are playing a sport where you go to win matches rather than just participate in it. Whatever has got you here, you've got to back that," Vijay backed his colleague.
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