Team India is playing their 1st Test match against New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. After a washout on Day 1, Day 2 started gloomy conditions with captain Rohit Sharma elected to bat first. The top order once again failed to perform. The skipper was back in the dugout after playing a reckless shot. Shubhman Gill is missing out due to a neck stiff. Sarfaraz Khan was promoted to No.4.
However ahead of the Mumbai batter, the star batter Virat Kohli, was playing at No.3. In the position where he usually bats in the ODIs. Kohli’s poor form continued as he returned to the pavilion without opening his account. Will O Rourke picked up the big fish. He could not handle the spongy bounce with Glenn Philips taking a sharp catch at the flying leg slip position.
Sarfaraz was also back in the pavilion without scoring. India was down to 10/3 as Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant were at the crease. There was a rain delay, and play has once again resumed in the overcast conditions of Bengaluru. It has been a concerning moment for the Indian top order. They have failed to perform in the longest format of the game.
Virat Kohli should focus on ODI cricket
Is it time for Virat Kohli to end his test career? Kohli has not at his best of form. So far, he has scored 100 runs in five innings in the red ball format. This will be a concern for the Indian middle order being the backbone of the side. He needs to step up on the tough and big occasions. Ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, they would like to repair the problems of the front 3 of the team.
In testing conditions like Australia with the quality pace attack of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazelwood. It will be tough for the Men in Blue top and middle order to survive unless they get their best form back. India currently is 23/3 as Pant and Jaiswal carry forward the innings against the black caps.
