India's first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru witnessed one of the most dramatic collapses in their Test cricket history. On Day 2, the hosts were bowled out for just 46, marking their lowest total in home conditions and a new low in the annals of Indian cricket. This performance shocked fans and analysts alike, as New Zealand took a commanding position, gaining a 134-run lead by the close of play, with Devon Conway anchoring their innings with a superb 91.
New Zealand's domination on Day 2 was unexpected, particularly given India's formidable home record. Since 2012, India had only lost four home Tests, and the expectation going into this match was that they would continue their winning ways, especially after coming off a convincing 2-0 series sweep against Bangladesh. In contrast, New Zealand arrived in India having struggled in subcontinental conditions, fresh off a 2-0 defeat to Sri Lanka. However, cricket's unpredictable nature took center stage, and the Kiwis turned the tables on the hosts in a surprising turn of events.
India’s decision to bat first, after winning the toss under cloudy skies and on a pitch with evident moisture from being covered for several days, proved costly. Rohit Sharma, who had led India’s recent aggressive batting displays, was the first to fall. In the opening 30 minutes, Tim Southee and Matt Henry exploited the pitch and atmospheric conditions, moving the ball sharply and troubling the Indian openers. Rohit’s early dismissal, as he attempted an ill-advised charge down the pitch only to see his stumps rattled, set the tone for what would become a procession of wickets.
India's middle-order failed to steady the ship. Virat Kohli, promoted to No. 3 in Shubman Gill’s absence, struggled to adjust to the movement and fell for a duck, a decision to send him up the order that backfired spectacularly. Sarfaraz Khan, tasked with supporting Kohli, followed with a half-hearted shot that Devon Conway caught with ease. The Indian collapse continued as KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and R Ashwin—all of whom have played key roles in previous rescue efforts—fell cheaply, adding to the mounting pressure.
Rishabh Pant was the only player who managed to offer some resistance, scoring 20 runs before being dismissed. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s gritty but slow 13 off 63 balls was the only other contribution of note, but neither could change the course of the innings as India crumbled for 46 in just 31.2 overs. The scale of this collapse was unprecedented in Indian cricket history, not only for being the lowest score in India but also for the fact that five Indian batters registered ducks in a home Test for only the second time. The rapid fall of wickets stood in stark contrast to their fearless play against Bangladesh just days earlier.
New Zealand’s bowlers, meanwhile, were outstanding in their discipline and execution. Matt Henry, reaching a career milestone of 100 Test wickets, took a brilliant five-wicket haul, while debutant Will O’Rourke grabbed four wickets. Rather than going on the hunt for wickets, the Kiwi bowlers stuck to their plans, allowing the pitch and conditions to do the work, keeping pressure on the Indian batters with tight lines and effective field placements. Their fielding was a study in contrast to India's, with innovative strategies and acrobatic catches, especially from Conway.
The visiting side’s dominance continued with the bat. Opening with Tom Latham and Will Young, New Zealand built steadily, despite losing a few early wickets. Latham fell to Kuldeep Yadav, and Young departed after being caught off Ravindra Jadeja, but Devon Conway’s fluent 91 helped New Zealand maintain control. Conway’s innings was a masterclass in adapting to conditions, his well-timed strokes and ability to rotate the strike putting further pressure on the Indian bowlers. His dismissal by R Ashwin in the final hour of the day offered India a glimmer of hope, but the damage had already been done.
India’s bowlers, particularly Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, struggled to find breakthroughs with the new ball. Both seamers went wicketless after 17 overs combined, their efforts to force the issue backfiring as they overpitched and strayed from their usual discipline. While Ashwin and Jadeja picked up three wickets between them, they could not stem the flow of runs, allowing New Zealand to finish Day 2 on 180 for 3, firmly in control with a 134-run lead.
This match marks one of India’s worst-ever performances in a home Test. The decision-making, particularly the choice to bat first in such difficult conditions, has been heavily scrutinized. The absence of key players like Shubman Gill, coupled with tactical blunders such as sending Kohli up the order too early, compounded their woes. Additionally, their inability to apply themselves in testing conditions, a hallmark of successful Test cricket, left them exposed. In contrast, New Zealand's resilience and sharp tactics, both with bat and ball, have put them in a position where it is now their match to lose.
Looking ahead to the rest of the Test, India faces an uphill battle to claw back into the game. Their famed bowling attack will need to find breakthroughs early on Day 3, while their batters must produce something special in the second innings to avoid the embarrassment of a heavy defeat at home. New Zealand, on the other hand, will be eager to capitalize on their strong position, pushing for a victory that could set the tone for the rest of the series.
This collapse will likely lead to introspection for India, as they reassess their approach and strategies, especially in home conditions that are usually so favorable to them. For New Zealand, this Test could become a landmark moment, a demonstration of their growth as a formidable team even in unfamiliar territory. With three days still to play, the outcome of this Test is not sealed, but New Zealand’s grip on the match is strong, and India will need something remarkable to change the narrative.
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