India’s Lowest Test Score at Home: 46 All Out

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

• India’s Lowest Test Score: India was bowled out for 46, marking their lowest Test score at home.
• New Zealand Pacers Dominate: Matt Henry and William O’Rourke wreaked havoc as five Indian batsmen got out for ducks.
• Tactical Blunders: India’s decision to bat first and sending Virat Kohli at No. 3 in tough conditions backfired.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

India’s nightmare continued on Day 2 of the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru. The Indian team was bowled out for just 46 runs, their third-lowest total in Test history and the lowest at home. In an overcast morning, New Zealand pacers Matt Henry and William O’Rourke completely dominated, reducing India to an embarrassing score.

New Zealand’s Deadly Bowling Attack

Overhead conditions and a pitch that remained under covers for three days gave New Zealand bowlers an edge. India’s captain Rohit Sharma was dismissed early by veteran Tim Southee, and from there, the collapse was inevitable. Five of India’s batsmen—Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul, and R Ashwin—failed to score, leading to an abysmal total.

Tactical Missteps and Batting Failure

India made several tactical errors, starting with choosing to bat first in bowler-friendly conditions. The decision to send Virat Kohli at No. 3 also failed, raising questions as KL Rahul, familiar with Bengaluru’s conditions, could have been a better option. Poor shot selection and lack of composure led to India’s downfall.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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