India vs New Zealand 1st Test Day 2: In what turned out to be a historic day for all the wrong reasons, India was bowled out for their lowest-ever Test score at home, managing just 46 runs against New Zealand on the second day of the first Test at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. This dismal performance on October 17, 2024, marked a startling collapse for the Indian team, known for their fortress-like dominance at home.
The decision to bat first after winning the toss seemed optimistic, despite the cloudy and humid conditions that hinted at potential challenges for the batters. India’s skipper Rohit Sharma took the gamble, perhaps hoping the pitch would dry out and ease up as the day progressed. However, the decision backfired spectacularly as New Zealand’s pace attack, led by Matt Henry and debutant Will O’Rourke, exploited the conditions to the fullest.
Matt Henry, who reached the milestone of 100 Test wickets during the match, was the standout performer, claiming five wickets for just 15 runs. His partner in destruction, Will O’Rourke, added four wickets to his tally, making a memorable debut. The duo’s relentless pace and precision left the Indian batting lineup in tatters. Each delivery seemed to carry a threat, with the ball moving significantly off the seam, making life miserable for the Indian batsmen.
Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, and KL Rahul were all dismissed for low scores, with Kohli and Sarfaraz both falling for ducks. The pitch offered a conducive environment for swing and seam movement, a fact not lost on the New Zealand bowlers who capitalized on every opportunity. Kohli, struggling with form, fell to a delivery described as a “snorter” by former cricketer and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar, who noted the Indian batting lineup’s inability to adapt to the conditions.
India vs New Zealand 1st Test Day 2: India bowled out for their lowest ever Test score at home!
Critics and former players, including Anil Kumble, pointed out that India seemed overly aggressive and failed to adjust their game plan to counter New Zealand’s disciplined bowling. “India were a bit too ambitious with the bat,” Kumble remarked, highlighting the importance of patience and technique in such testing conditions.
The match also saw a significant historical footnote, as India’s total of 46 is the lowest score by any team in a Test match in Asia, surpassing West Indies’ 53 against Pakistan in 1986. The collapse was so severe that it evoked memories of India’s infamous 36 all out in Adelaide against Australia in 2020, albeit that was a pink-ball Test.
In the aftermath of this performance, questions loom over India’s batting strategies and their preparedness against quality pace attacks, especially at home. This match is a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of Test cricket and the importance of adapting to conditions. For New Zealand, this performance not only boosts their confidence but also sets the stage for a potentially historic series in India, a feat they have not achieved in over three decades.
As the cricketing world reflects on this monumental collapse, the focus will inevitably turn to how the Indian team can regroup and respond in the remainder of the series. The road to redemption starts with acknowledging the lessons learned from Bengaluru’s humbling experience.
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FAQ
What is India’s lowest ever Test score?
India’s infamous 36 run all-out in Adelaide against Australia in 2020, in a pink-ball Test.
