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In a shocking turn of events, the Indian cricket team suffered a devastating defeat in the first Test against New Zealand, recording their lowest-ever Test total at home. On the second day of the match in Bengaluru, India were bowled out for a paltry 46 runs, collapsing spectacularly under the relentless pressure of the New Zealand pace attack. This humiliating loss was a stark contrast to the team's recent victories in the Bangladesh series, highlighting the fragility of their batting lineup.
The New Zealand bowlers, led by veteran Tim Southee, exploited the overcast conditions and a pitch that remained under covers due to rain. The Indian batters, barring Rishabh Pant and Yashavi Jaiswal, failed to adapt to the challenging circumstances. Notably, the Indian captain, Rohit Sharma, was dismissed early in the innings, setting the tone for a disastrous batting performance. Five Indian batsmen, including Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and R Ashwin, were dismissed for ducks, showcasing their inability to cope with the pace and swing of the New Zealand attack.
Adding to the woes, India's tactical decisions backfired throughout the day. Their choice to bat first despite the unfavorable conditions proved to be a major error, leaving their bowlers exposed to the confident New Zealand batsmen. The decision to send Virat Kohli at No. 3 in such challenging conditions further compounded their problems. Kohli, known for his resilience, was dismissed for a duck, leaving the team reeling. Sarfaraz Khan, who was brought in at No. 3, also failed to make an impact, throwing his wicket away in a reckless attempt to attack. The all-rounders, Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin, were unable to stem the tide, falling for ducks as the New Zealand pacers continued to reign supreme.
The defeat exposed several vulnerabilities within the Indian team. The lack of application and adaptability among the batters was a major concern. Despite their recent success against Bangladesh, the Indian batting order crumbled under pressure, failing to show the mental fortitude and technical prowess needed to overcome a difficult situation. The tactical blunders committed by the team management further highlighted the need for a more strategic approach in the future. The team must learn from this humbling experience and address the weaknesses exposed in this disastrous performance. They need to develop a greater depth in their batting lineup and improve their ability to adapt to different conditions and strategies.
The 46-all out debacle in Bengaluru serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adaptability and composure in Test cricket. India will need to analyze their shortcomings and implement necessary changes to ensure their future success in this demanding format. This defeat, though painful, presents an opportunity for growth and improvement. The team must regroup, refine their strategies, and focus on developing the skills and mental toughness required to compete at the highest level of the game.
Source: 46-all out: India register their lowest Test total at home in Bengaluru nightmare