Ravindra Jadeja had a lighthearted response during the post-match press conference after India’s shocking collapse at the end of Day 1 of the third Test against New Zealand at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.

Speaking about India’s rapid loss of wickets, Jadeja humorously commented, “It all unfolded in a mere 10 minutes, (we) did not get any time to react. But it happens, it is a team game, any individual cannot be blamed specifically… small mistakes keep happening.”

India, who were comfortably placed at 78/1 in reply to New Zealand’s first innings total of 235, collapsed to 86/4 in just two overs. Rohit Sharma (18), Yashasvi Jaiswal (30), Mohammed Siraj (0), and Virat Kohli (4) all fell in quick succession, leaving the team in a precarious position.

Addressing the situation in the dressing room, Jadeja remained optimistic, emphasizing the importance of the next day’s play. “The next batters will have to forge partnerships and try and get past (the score of) 230 (235). We still have a chance. Hopefully, we will bat well tomorrow and if we bowl well, we can turn things around.”

India’s middle order will now have to step up to keep the team in the game as they trail New Zealand by 149 runs at stumps.