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What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
Rohit out for duck, Virat out for 1. Is it now time for India to Ro-Ko the Roko?
NEW DELHI: India’s batting woes deepened as they were bowled out for a mere 156 in the first innings of the second Test against New Zealand in Pune, trailing by 103 runs after the visitors posted 259. The underwhelming performances of key players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have become a major concern, as their continued struggles have invited sharp criticism from former players and commentators. Both batsmen, considered the backbone of India’s batting order, have failed to convert starts and deal with New Zealand’s disciplined bowling. The collapse highlights India’s over-reliance on a few stars, raising questions about their form and the team’s depth, as pressure mounts on the batting lineup to find consistency in critical matches.
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Former coach Ravi Shastri questioned Rohit Sharma’s defensive captaincy, noting the lack of close-in fielders to support spinners at the start of New Zealand’s second innings. “India should be aiming to bowl New Zealand out for 120 with attacking positions,” Shastri urged on commentary. Fellow commentator Sunil Gavaskar echoed the sentiment, criticizing Rohit’s defensive field placements as an indication of a “negative” approach.
The spotlight also turned to Virat Kohli, who once again fell cheaply to spin, scoring just one run before being dismissed by left-arm spinner Glenn Phillips. Former coach Anil Kumble suggested Kohli might benefit from playing domestic cricket, noting that game situations provide unique advantages over practice. “Perhaps just one or two innings in domestic matches would have helped,” Kumble said, while acknowledging that conditions favoring spin added to Kohli’s struggles.
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Meanwhile, Washington Sundar, who made an impact with a career-best 7/59 in the first innings, has been one of India’s few bright spots, highlighting the team’s reliance on their younger players.
With India’s experienced batsmen struggling, questions are mounting on whether it is time to rethink the team’s strategy.
