Former Indian middle-order batsman VVS Laxman applauded Rohit Sharma’s compact knock in the first innings of the WTC Final against New Zealand. Rohit scored at a brisk pace before being caught for 34 in the slips off Kiwi pacer Kyle Jamieson.

After Day 1 of the final was washed out, things started out looking much better on Day 2. The toss was won by Kiwi skipper and with the overcast conditions in mind, he decided to bowl first. Shubman Gill was playing his first innings in England and he was supported by the more experienced Rohit.

Together, the two of them gave India a good start and built a 50-run partnership in progress. However, on the other side of the drinks break, a loose waft outside the off-stump resulted in Rohit’s dismissal, with the team score on 62. Gill followed suit soon, and all the hard work done in the morning was undone.

Although the openers made sure they saw the new ball out, former batsman VVS Laxman opined that Rohit would be disappointed with his shot and the timing of his dismissal. He was also impressed with the opening stand and felt that Team India would be happy with how the first session went.

“Rohit as an opener has passed with flying colors, he is an attacking player but today he was compact. It was a wonderful display of caution and aggression from Rohit, but he will be disappointed with the way and the timing of his dismissal. Both openers applied themselves, they were very composed and technically compact. They both got out in the same fashion but India should be happy with the first session,” Laxman told on the Star Sports show.

At tea, India were 120/3, with Ajinkya Rahane on 13* (54) and skipper Virat Kohli at the other end on 35* (94). Trent Boult, Neil Wagner, and Kyle Jamieson picked up a wicket each for the Kiwis.