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India's disastrous performance in the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru has left fans and experts alike stunned. The hosts were bowled out for a paltry 46 runs, their third lowest Test score ever and comfortably their lowest on Indian soil. The defeat was a stark reminder of the team's technical inadequacies and the need for improvement in their batting line-up.
The match began with India choosing to bat first, a decision that was met with skepticism from many. The pitch, damp and conducive to seam bowling, seemed tailor-made for the New Zealand pace attack. India's decision to include Kuldeep Yadav, a left-arm wrist spinner, instead of Akash Deep, a promising fast bowler, further raised eyebrows. This bold move, however, did not pay off, and the Indian batting line-up crumbled under pressure from the Kiwi bowlers.
The first wicket to fall was that of Rohit Sharma, who was bowled through the gate by Tim Southee. Virat Kohli, promoted to No. 3, was also dismissed cheaply, followed by a string of other failures. The lack of application and technical deficiencies were laid bare as the ball jagged around repeatedly, while the New Zealand bowlers exploited the damp conditions and the Indian batsmen's vulnerabilities. The Kiwis' fielding was equally impressive, as they caught everything that came their way and turned half-chances into stunning grabs.
The Indian team's performance was a stark contrast to their recent success in the Kanpur Test against Bangladesh, where they had showcased their versatility and skills across all departments of the game. However, in Bengaluru, they were completely outplayed, with their technical inadequacies exposed for all to see. The score of 46 was a stark reminder of India's vulnerability in the face of quality fast bowling, particularly on a pitch that offered assistance to the seamers.
The Indian team management will now need to assess the situation and take corrective measures. The upcoming Tests in the series will be crucial for them to regain their composure and get back on track. The bowling attack, though, was not entirely responsible for the collapse. While the Kiwi pace attack certainly bowled well, the batters seemed to have a clear lack of focus and application. This poor batting performance could have serious implications for the team's morale, especially given that the upcoming Test series against Australia is just around the corner. The Indian team has been known for its formidable batting line-up, but the recent events have raised questions about their ability to handle pressure and adapt to different conditions. The team will need to work on their weaknesses and find ways to perform consistently in order to regain their position as a dominant force in international cricket.