India were bowled out for 46 on the second day – their lowest Test score at home – and eventually lost the match by eight wickets. But Sarfaraz’s 150 and Pant’s 99 allowed them to overturn the 356 deficit.

“When those two are batting, everyone is on the edge of their seats because they love playing the game that brought them success,” Rohit told the broadcaster after the match. “You’ve seen it over time with Rishabh, the way he bats obviously carries a bit of risk, but I thought it was a very mature innings. He defended good balls, also left few balls, and then, again, backed himself to play those shots, and that’s what he’s all about.

“Not to forget Sarfaraz. Sarfaraz also only played in his third or fourth Test match (fourth), to show that kind of maturity (was great), and (he was) very clear in his mind what kind of shots he wants to play .If you have a clear mind, you’ll be fine.”

Rohit was pleased with the determination shown by India’s batsmen in their second innings after New Zealand posted 402.

“When you are 350 runs behind, you can’t think about it too much. All you have to do is try to hit the ball, it’s as simple as that. That was the plan,” Rohit said. “We wanted to get going and see where the game goes. Some big partnerships there were really exciting to see, and got us back in the game. Like I said, when you’re 350 down, it could easily have been (a situation) where we could have been bowled out before we even got 350. It was a great effort with the bat, something we are very proud of as a team.

“There are guys who have been in this place before where we have lost a match. We lost a match against England in the first Test and then we won four matches. These things happen. It’s two Test matches to go and we know exactly what is required of each of us. So we will try to bring our best game.”

The second Test of the series begins on October 24 in Pune.