- Cricket connoisseurs and crazy fans alike were quite gung-ho with the way the Indian cricket team was performing over the last couple of years even though some of the marquee International Cricket Council-organized events could not be bested. Of course, Team India went on to win the ICC T20 tournament recently, which was welcomed wholeheartedly and gave something for the cricket fans in India to cheer about after a long wait of decade-plus years. However, Team India’s performance in the traditional format of cricket was noteworthy even though the ICC Test Championship mace eluded them despite competing in two back-to-back finals. Yes, Team India has been unbeatable at home for some years now and this record appears under threat now.
PC: India TV News
- Some of the most intriguing Test match contests are underway in the last couple of months and India is in the thick of action as well. The way Team India rolled over Bangladesh in the recently concluded two-match Test series speaks volumes about the bubbling confidence of the home entity. Especially the way Rohit Sharma led Team trounced the visiting Bangladeshi team in the Kanpur Test despite losing three days of play due to rain is awesome. As you are aware, New Zealand is touring India for a three-match Test series starting from the inaugural contest at Bengaluru. What transpired in Bengaluru must be forgotten soon by Team India though.
- The Indian team was bundled out for a paltry 46 runs in the first innings after the rains marred the start of the match for a full day. Choosing to bat first after winning the toss on a moisture-filled pitch and overcast conditions was a decision taken by captain Rohit Sharma and should be questioned forthwith. Consequently, the New Zealand pacers simply ran amok to scuttle out Team India for 46 runs in the first innings meant the home team was on the back foot right away. Since the pitch eased and the batting became easy, New Zealand could score decently in the first innings to take a handsome lead of 356 runs. Even though India displayed a terrific attacking mode in the second innings, the target of 107 for New Zealand was a breeze.
PC: Scroll
- Notable contributions in the second Indian innings came from Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Sarfraz Khan, and Rishabh Pant. The maiden century scored by an attacking Sarfraz was a treat to watch and the pace with which the partnership with Pant proceeded gave a glimpse of hope for Team India to set up a win in an incredible fashion. However, it was not to be. Pant got out at an agonizing 99 runs and the rest of the batters could not muster enough runs to challenge the Kiwis in the second innings. Yes, it was a formality for the visitors to score 107 runs by losing just two wickets. In hindsight, the decision to bat first must have caused heartburn within the Team and the support staff when the conditions were conducive for bowlers. Are we complacent? Maybe.
