India’s Test woes continued as they suffered a humiliating eight-wicket defeat to New Zealand in the first Test at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Despite a valiant fightback in their second innings, India’s poor batting display in the first innings proved costly.
After being bundled out for a paltry 46 in the first innings, India showed resilience in the second, posting a respectable 462. Young batter Sarfaraz Khan emerged as a beacon of hope, scoring a magnificent 150 off 195 balls, studded with 18 fours and three sixes.
Khan’s heroics raised questions about the team’s selection dilemma. With Shubman Gill recovering from a stiff neck and expected to return, the Indian team management faces a tough decision. KL Rahul or Sarfaraz, who will make way for Gill?
Former India batter Aakash Chopra weighed in on the debate, drawing parallels to Karun Nair’s fate. Nair, the only other Indian to score a triple-century after Virender Sehwag, was dropped from the playing XI after his historic 303 not out against England in Chennai in 2016.
Chopra suggested that a similar theory could see Sarfaraz being dropped, but he believes the team management will retain the young batter in the playing XI. “One more thing is important in Indian cricket – outside noise – and that favours Sarfaraz right now,” Chopra said.
India’s batting woes were evident in the first innings, where they were bundled out for their lowest Test score against New Zealand. The top order failed to fire, with only Cheteshwar Pujara (11) and Virat Kohli (12) reaching double figures.
In the second innings, India showed more fight, with Khan leading the charge. However, the loss of wickets at regular intervals prevented them from building a substantial lead.
New Zealand, in contrast, displayed their batting prowess, chasing down the target of 122 with ease. Tom Latham (52) and Devon Conway (54) anchored the chase, ensuring a comfortable victory for the visitors.
The defeat has raised concerns about India’s batting depth and their ability to compete against top-quality opposition. The second Test of the series will be played in Mumbai from December 3-7, where India will be desperate to level the series.
