"We put up a great show and that itself says a lot about India’s bench strength" - Wasim Jaffer

After whitewashing New Zealand in the three-match T20I series, India played the 1st Test against the visitors on 25th November in Kanpur. The match resulted after both the teams showed their best on the field.

Though they didn't have the services of the star players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah and a few more, they fought hard and almost won the battle against New Zealand.

However, the former Indian cricket Wasim Jaffer has also applauded the debutant Shreyas Iyer for his back to back stints with the bat. In addition to that, the 43-year-old has also stated that the Indian team didn't have the services of the senior cricketers but have given their best against the visitors. 

They would have wanted the top order to score: Wasim Jaffer

While speaking with ESPNCricinfo, Wasim Jaffer said, "A lot of senior players are resting while A team is playing against South Africa and even then, we put up a great show and that itself says a lot about India’s bench strength. This time the top will be under pressure for different reasons as the main show has been put up by lower middle-order players." 

He also concluded that how the team managed to get back on track even after their senior players Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara were finding it difficult to score runs against the opposition bowlers.

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Moreover, the top-order also failed to contribute with the bat but Shreyas Iyer and Wriddhiman Saha did the job for the side. "It is commendable how they fought back when openers were not making runs and Pujara and Rahane were struggling. Though they would have wanted the top order to score, I think they would be happy with the result and India will walk in as a confident side in Mumbai," said Wasim Jaffer.