Rohit, Kohli Head to Mumbai After Pune Loss; India Sets 'Compulsory' Training Rule Before 3rd Test
This second consecutive loss handed New Zealand their first Test series victory in India since 1955, a major upset that has prompted serious reflection within the Indian team. The third and final Test match is set to take place at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on November 1.
After India’s unexpected 113-run defeat to New Zealand in Pune, which ended their 12-year unbeaten home series streak, team captain Rohit Sharma, along with Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, traveled to Mumbai to spend time with family. This second consecutive loss handed New Zealand their first Test series victory in India since 1955, a major upset that has prompted serious reflection within the Indian team. The third and final Test match is set to take place at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on November 1.
Following the defeat, the team management instituted a "compulsory training" rule for all players, calling for full attendance at practice sessions on October 30 and 31, with no exemptions. Traditionally, senior players and bowlers have the option to take lighter or optional training to manage their workload, particularly during close back-to-back matches. However, with the recent series loss and World Test Championship final qualification on the line, the management has decided to forgo such flexibility.
The team was granted a brief two-day break to regroup before the pivotal final match. After the series concludes, the squad is scheduled to depart for Australia on November 10 for the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.
