46 runs for 10 wickets, five of Indian batsmen out for without a single run. Along with up front, Team India’s middle order completely collapsed in Bengaluru against New Zealand in the first test match of the ongoing three match series. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma later admitted that he misread the surface wrong.
Winning the toss, Rohit decided to bat first; the weather was heavy, and three New Zealand pace bowlers did their job by taking ten wickets by adopting the weather condition. There is no second opinion that Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke, and Tim Southee were bowling with complete dominance. But that can’t be the only reason behind complete batting failure. Selection of shorts, technique, and temperament needed on such conditions required heavily for international matches. happen when Rohit’s army would Australia.
Ajinkya Rahane saab never misses. Perfect timing as always. Pujara next. pic.twitter.com/OWqgSQrcsG
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) October 17, 2024
The Australian media has also made fun of Team India being all out for 46 runs. Let us know that India has to play a 5-match Test series on Australia soil from 22 November 2024 to 7 January 2025. Some cricket fans are saying that if Cheteshwar Pujara was playing in the Bengaluru Test against New Zealand, Team India would not have to face such embarrassment.
Pujara-Rahane💀😭 pic.twitter.com/biyxGGLbIM
— Pulkit🇮🇳 (@pulkit5Dx) October 17, 2024
Shubman Gill was not available for selection for the first Test due to neck stiffness. In the absence of Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli was given the responsibility of batting at number 3, but he was dismissed for zero. Tampering with Virat Kohli’s batting order also cost Team India dearly. Shubman Gill himself does not look solid like Cheteshwar Pujara at number 3 position in Test cricket. In such a situation, Team India needs Cheteshwar Pujara at number three spot. But, it seems that it is quite difficult for Pujara to make a comeback in team India. So, like Rohit Sharma said after day two, “a bad day in office”.