Team India’s home dominance in Test cricket rarely falters, but as they face New Zealand in the Pune Test, eerie similarities with a painful 2017 loss to Australia have left fans and experts worried. That year, the Indian team was left stunned after suffering a rare home defeat on this very ground. Now, after a rough start in the current match, fans are reminded of that challenging game and wondering if Team India might struggle again in Pune.
Day 1: New Zealand Sets a Modest Target
The Pune Test between India and New Zealand began on Thursday, October 24, with the Kiwis opting to bat after winning the toss. New Zealand openers Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, and Will Young provided a solid start, taking the score close to 200. However, the Indian bowling attack managed to limit the visitors’ innings. Washington Sundar took the crucial wicket of Rachin Ravindra, after which New Zealand collapsed quickly and was bundled out for 259.
While 259 may not be a massive score, it seemed challenging, especially after Team India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, was dismissed for a duck. By the end of the day, India stood at 16/1, with concerns mounting over their batting lineup’s resilience on a tricky pitch.
A Flashback to the 2017 Defeat
Team India’s rough start in Pune immediately stirred memories of a painful loss from 2017 on this very ground. In that game, also held at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Australia won the toss, chose to bat, and scored 259 by the end of the first day. Their innings ended at 260, an uncanny parallel to New Zealand’s current total. In response, India was bowled out for a mere 105 runs in their first innings, with then-captain Virat Kohli failing to score.
This year’s early setback, with Rohit Sharma dismissed for a duck, mirrors that 2017 game, stirring doubts about Team India’s ability to bounce back. Back then, Australia’s left-arm spinner Steve O’Keefe dominated the Indian batting lineup, taking 6 wickets in each innings. His spin bowling on a turning pitch became the key reason for Australia’s comfortable victory by 333 runs.
Now, New Zealand, too, has two left-arm spinners, Mitchell Santner and Ajaz Patel, who could pose a significant threat on a pitch that has already started turning on Day 1. Santner and Patel troubled India’s young openers, Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, raising concerns about whether India can handle New Zealand’s spin threat.
The Importance of the First Innings: A Key Test for India’s Batsmen
With India trailing by one Test in the series, this Pune match is crucial. The team’s performance in the first innings will set the tone for the rest of the game. A poor start could mean giving New Zealand an advantage that might prove challenging to overcome in the latter part of the match.
India’s Test record at home has been dominant in the past decade. However, another loss here would put the team at risk of losing a home series for the first time since 2012, when England defeated India. With the ball already turning from Day 1, Team India’s batsmen face an uphill task, especially since the last innings is expected to be a nightmare for batters.
Turning Pitch Adds Pressure on Indian Batters
What makes the Pune Test even trickier is the condition of the pitch. It’s already showing signs of wear and spin, which typically gets worse as the game progresses. This adds pressure on the Indian batsmen, as their performance in the first innings is likely to decide the course of the match. A strong score in the first innings could keep them in the game, while a low total could hand New Zealand a crucial advantage.
India’s top order, led by seasoned players like Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Ajinkya Rahane, needs to stand firm against New Zealand’s bowling attack. The younger batsmen, including Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, will also need to show maturity and play long innings. With the pitch favoring spinners, patience and careful shot selection will be key to surviving New Zealand’s spin duo, Santner and Patel.
Lessons from the Past: How Team India Can Adapt
To avoid a repeat of the 2017 disaster, Team India will need to learn from past mistakes. In that game, India struggled with rash shots and was unable to withstand the pressure of spin on a challenging pitch. This time, they must adopt a more cautious approach, focusing on preserving wickets and building partnerships.
The role of all-rounders like Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar will also be crucial. Both players can stabilize the innings and counter the spin threat with their experience. Additionally, if India can put a good score on the board, their spinners, Ravichandran Ashwin and Jadeja, can come into play and put pressure on New Zealand in the latter innings.
The start in Pune may have been shaky, but Team India has the talent and experience to bounce back. However, they must approach each session with caution and focus on steady, balanced cricket to avoid another upset on home soil.
