If the Indian cricket team or its fans remember the second day of the Bengaluru Test match, it will be with disappointment. The Indian team was bowled out for just 46 runs on their home soil, marking the first time they were dismissed for less than 50 runs in India. Not only did the batting collapse, but India also didn’t get a good start with the ball. Despite this, former Indian cricketer and current cricket expert Sanjay Manjrekar praised captain Rohit Sharma and called him a great human being.
Manjrekar praised Rohit Sharma in an X post because Rohit admitted in a press conference that he had misread the pitch and conditions, which benefited New Zealand and led to India’s struggle on the first day. Manjrekar wrote, “I admire Rohit Sharma’s honesty and big heart. He said that he misread the pitch himself and isn’t blaming anyone. What a great human being!”
Rohit Sharma had won the toss and opted to bat first, even selecting three spinners in the team. The captain believed that the pitch would offer some help for the first session and then gradually start spinning. He hoped to survive the first session and make it easier for the upcoming batsmen. However, the overcast conditions, slow outfield, and the floodlights being switched on in the first session led to India’s downfall.
As soon as Rohit Sharma got out for 9 runs, the wickets started to fall one after another. India batted for 31.2 overs, losing all 10 wickets and scoring just 46 runs. Rishabh Pant top-scored with 20 runs, while Matt Henry took 5 wickets and Will O’Rourke claimed 4 wickets.