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The article dissects India's humiliating 156 all out defeat against New Zealand in the second Test in Pune, arguing that this performance was a more significant indictment of their batting prowess than the previous 46 all out in Bengaluru. While the latter could be partially attributed to unfavorable conditions, the Pune debacle exposed a deeper malaise within the Indian batting lineup, rendering their vulnerability to spin bowling a stark reality.
The author identifies four key shortcomings: the batsmen's fatalism and fallibility against even modest spinners, their tendency to disguise recklessness as aggression, their lack of clarity on tactics, and their inability to decipher and counter the turning ball. The failure to adapt to familiar conditions, known for their favorability towards Indian batsmen, amplified the disappointment. The article paints a vivid picture of the Indian batsmen's crumbling feet and stiffened hands, echoing the struggles of past generations, leaving the spirit of Tendulkar and Laxman whispering a requiem for the current era.
The analysis delves into specific instances of individual failures, highlighting the fear of the turning ball and the lack of learning from past mistakes. The article cites Gill's repetition of a dangerous defensive technique that resulted in his dismissal, while Kohli's ill-timed attempt to sweep a full toss led to his downfall. The younger generation, seemingly unprepared to inherit the mantle, displayed similar flaws, with Jaiswal's indecisive prod and Rishabh Pant's blind swing epitomizing their struggles. The article emphasizes the absence of a defensive-minded batsman who could have stabilized the innings and wore down the spinners, ultimately leading to further chaos and an embarrassing collapse.
The article further underscores the stark contrast between India's performance against spin bowling and the success of other teams. Despite their recent victory over England, India's spinners still claimed 60 wickets in five matches, while Australia's tweakers secured 45 wickets in India, highlighting the relative strength of their spin attacks. The author suggests that the focus should shift from the tactical deployment of spinners to the competency levels of their chosen batsmen. The New Zealand spinners, though not considered elite, exhibited a studious approach, inducing mistakes through disciplined bowling and exploiting the variations offered by the pitch. Their success was attributed to their patience, ability to second-guess the Indian batsmen, and a lack of reliance on dream balls. In contrast, India's batsmen succumbed to their own anxieties and failed to adapt to the demands of the surface.
The article concludes by highlighting the stark difference in batting approach between the two teams. While New Zealand's batsmen showcased a calculated approach, focusing on defense, smart manipulation of gaps, and sensible batting, India's batsmen were undone by their vulnerabilities against spin. The final point emphasizes the need for Rohit Sharma and his team to prove that their struggles in Pune were an aberration and not a reflection of their true capabilities.
Source: Why India’s 156 all out in Pune was a worse batting performance than the 46 all out in Bengaluru