Bangalore, India – The first Test match between India and New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium has not started off well for the hosts, with Team India facing severe criticism following a dismal performance in their first innings. Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif has pointed out a significant tactical mistake made by captain Rohit Sharma that may have contributed to this unfortunate outcome. Before the start of the highly anticipated series, expectations were high for Rohit Sharma's team to continue their dominance on home soil.
However, rain disrupted the first day's play, and when the skies cleared, India won the toss and opted to bat first. This decision quickly backfired as the team folded for a mere 46 runs, marking the lowest score in Test cricket history on Indian pitches. Kaif took to social media to express his disappointment with Sharma's choice. In a post on X, he stated, "When the pitch is covered for a long time, it is not a good decision to bat first. Moisture builds up on the pitch. Maybe Team India missed the trick here." He further acknowledged New Zealand's exceptional bowling, particularly commending Matt Henry, who claimed five wickets. Rishabh Pant emerged as India's top performer, scoring just 20 runs, while Yashasvi Jaiswal managed 13.
A staggering number of renowned players, including Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfraz Khan, R. Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja, failed to add any runs to the scoreboard, ending their innings with a score of zero. On the opposing side, New Zealand capitalized on India's struggles, taking a substantial lead of 108 runs. Devon Conway, on the verge of a hundred, was dismissed for 91 runs by India’s Ravi Ashwin after attempting a risky sweep shot, which ultimately led to his downfall. With New Zealand in a commanding position, the Indian team now faces a considerable challenge to stage a comeback in this Test match. As the series progresses, all eyes will be on Rohit Sharma and his ability to rectify the mistakes made in this crucial opening encounter.