Team India’s batting woes continued on Day 2 of the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru, as they were bundled out for a paltry 46 runs, their lowest Test total on home soil. The collapse was triggered by a devastating bowling performance from Matt Henry and William O’Rourke, who shared nine wickets between them.
Rohit Sharma’s decision to bat first backfired spectacularly, with four of India’s top seven batters dismissed for ducks, including star batsman Virat Kohli. The Indian batting lineup was unable to cope with the New Zealand bowlers’ relentless pressure, with only Shreyas Iyer (10) and Ravichandran Ashwin (13) reaching double figures.
Former India captain Anil Kumble criticized the team’s batting approach, particularly the decision to bat Kohli at number three. Kumble argued that Kohli should have batted at his usual position of number four, while a solid player like Cheteshwar Pujara should have been brought in at number three to tackle the new ball.
“Virat Kohli should have batted at No. 4, he is your number one batter at that position. For the number three position, [you need] someone like Cheteshwar Pujara, who did so well for so many years playing there. 100 Test matches because he would have been there today, then I don’t think he would have gone looking to hit the ball,” Kumble said.
Kumble also criticized the Indian batters’ lack of patience, saying they were trying to play every ball. “He would allow the ball to come on and that’s where you miss someone like that (Pujara). Kind of an approach today. And India is certainly in a spot of bother here,” he added.
Meanwhile, New Zealand took a commanding lead of 134 runs on Day 2, thanks to a solid batting performance led by opener Devon Conway, who scored 91 runs. Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell were unbeaten on 22 and 14, respectively, when bad light stopped play in an extended session.
