WATCH: Pune crowd erupts with 'Mumbai's king Rohit Sharma' chants as India skipper takes the field in second Test against New Zealand

New Delhi: Rohit Sharma, India’s Test and ODI captain, continues to amass a huge fan base, evident from the overwhelming support he received on Day 1 of the second Test against New Zealand on Thursday, October 24. The highly anticipated match is being held at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, showcasing Sharma's popularity and charisma both on and off the field.

The visiting team won the toss and opted to bat first. As the Indian players took to the field, the atmosphere was electric, with the crowd showering their captain with chants of “Mumbai cha raja, Rohit Sharma.”

ROHIT SHARMA, AN EMOTION…!!!! ❤️

– Fans chanting “Mumbai Cha Raja” during the 2nd Test. pic.twitter.com/e2X824kC0G

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 24, 2024

Rohit had a mixed outing in the first match, managing scores of 2 and 52 across his two innings. However, his captaincy drew criticism from experts, who pointed to questionable decisions that played a role in the hosts’ eight-wicket defeat.

The Kiwis won the toss and elected to bat first. Openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway got off to a steady start, putting together 30 runs in the first seven overs while successfully negotiating the seam bowling without losing a wicket.

Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin struck first for India, taking the wicket of New Zealand captain Tom Latham, who scored 15 runs off 22 balls.

The hosts implemented three changes to their lineup, bringing in Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar, and Akash Deep to replace KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav, and Mohammed Siraj.

For New Zealand, Matt Henry was sidelined due to a glute niggle, and Mitchell Santner replaced him.