India’s batting performance against New Zealand in the first innings was terrible once more. After losing by seven wickets in Bengaluru after being bundled for 46 runs, the Rohit Sharma-led team was supposed to improve and put on a strong showing, particularly with the bat, but it ended up being another dismal performance. Following the first innings in Pune, New Zealand had a 103-run lead after they were bundled for just 156 runs.
In retrospect, former cricket player Anil Kumble said that India lost the entire day in the first session.
The Indian hitters’ poor shot selection cost the team, he said, adding that the New Zealand bowlers were commended for bowling in the appropriate places. He emphasised that the Kiwi bowlers were aggressive and that the hosts were unable to handle it.
“I felt I saw that the Indian batters’ shot selection was really poor. India lost the entire day because of the first session, after all. Although it was unfortunate, the bowlers from New Zealand deserve some recognition as well. They kept going and changed up the pace even though they bowled in some pretty brilliant spots, Kumble told Jio Cinema.
They didn’t seem to mind being bothered. They launched an attack. That was one of the things lacking. They targeted the Indian hitters when they bowled first, disregarding their reputation. On the surface, they thought we had a shot,” he continued.
After Day 2, New Zealand is ahead by 301 runs. Their batsmen performed well after they had already bundled India, with captain Tom Latham setting an excellent example. He scored 86 runs as the visitors ended the day with a score of 198/5.
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In order for India to regain the match, their bowlers must take wickets early in the third day and hope that the batters can produce a historic batting performance.