• India struggled against New Zealand's pace attack on Day 2 of the first Test, after a rain-soaked Day 1.

  • Rohit Sharma departed cheaply for just 2 runs.

IND vs NZ [WATCH]: Tim Southee dismisses Rohit Sharma with a peach of a delivery on Day 2 of the first Test
Tim Southee dismisses Rohit Sharma with a peach of a delivery on Day 2 of the first Test (Image source: X)

After a rain-soaked Day 1, the much-anticipated first Test match between India and New Zealand finally kicked off at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The opening day was completely washed out due to persistent rain, leaving fans eager for action as they looked forward to Day 2. Team India captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and chose to bat first under overcast conditions, setting the stage for an exciting contest.

Tim Southee gets Rohit Sharma cheaply early on

As play commenced, the New Zealand pace attack, led by Tim Southee and Matt Henry, quickly made their presence felt. The duo exploited the swinging conditions effectively, putting pressure on the Indian openers, Rohit and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Rohit, who had been under scrutiny following a lackluster performance in recent matches, attempted to assert himself but fell victim to Southee’s skillful bowling. In an effort to drive the ball down the ground, Rohit misjudged a delivery that nipped back sharply, resulting in his stumps being shattered—leaving India at a precarious position early in their innings.

Also READ: Top 5 best bowling performances in India vs New Zealand Tests – October 2024

Here’s the video:

Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan fail to impress with the stick

The situation worsened for India as they lost two more wickets without adding any runs to their total. Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan both departed for ducks, further deepening the team’s woes. Kohli’s struggles continued as he faced a challenging spell from the New Zealand bowlers, who were relentless in their pursuit of wickets. With India reeling at three wickets down for zero runs, the pressure mounted on the middle order to stabilize the innings.

Weather woes continue in Chinnaswamy

As Day 2 approached, concerns about the weather loomed large. Forecasts indicated that rain could once again disrupt play, with predictions of consistent cloud cover and precipitation throughout the day. The elite drainage system at Chinnaswamy Stadium is designed to handle such conditions efficiently; however, the likelihood of further interruptions remained high.

Both teams recognized the significance of this Test series not only for individual performances but also for their standings in the World Test Championship (WTC). India aimed to solidify their position at the top of the table while New Zealand sought redemption after a series of disappointing results. With key players missing from both sides—Kane Williamson for New Zealand and Shubman Gill for India—the match promised to be a test of resilience and skill.

Also READ: IND vs NZ: Here’s why Akash Deep and Shubman Gill not playing the Bengaluru Test

Subscribe to Cricket Times on YouTube to watch Exclusive Interviews, Podcasts, Weekly News Updates & Explainers.

TAGS:

CATEGORY: Featured India Rohit Sharma Test Video

For latest cricket news and updates, subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter.

About the Author:
Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.