India‘s batting lineup struggled in their first innings on Day 2 of the second Test against New Zealand in Pune on Friday (October 25). The hosts, resuming their innings at 16/1, could only reach 156 all out in response to New Zealand’s first-innings score of 259.

India’s batting collapse: Mitchell Santner’s 7-wickets dominates hosts

Mitchell Santner was the standout bowler, claiming seven wickets for 53 runs, exploiting the conditions effectively to unsettle the Indian batters. Glenn Phillips provided support with two wickets, while Tim Southee chipped in with one. India’s batting difficulties were evident as early wickets fell, including skipper Rohit Sharma for a duck and Virat Kohli for a mere single. Despite a valiant 38-run effort from Ravindra Jadeja, India failed to build substantial partnerships, collapsing under sustained pressure. New Zealand gained a significant 103-run first-innings lead.

3 main reasons for India’s downfall against spinners in Pune Test’s first innings:

1. Failure to adapt to pitch conditions

In the Pune Test, India’s batters seemed unprepared for the conditions that heavily favored spin, particularly the degree of turn and bounce generated by New Zealand’s spinners, especially Santner. From early in the innings, the pitch showed signs of variable bounce and sharp turn, yet India’s top and middle-order batters continued with their natural, aggressive game plans. Rather than adapting to the surface by focusing on placement, rotating strike, and taking more calculated risks, they played aggressively, often across the line, and misjudged Santner’s deliveries, especially on a surface that punished such mistakes.

2. Poor shot selection and overreliance on power

India’s batters were undone by a combination of poor shot selection and an overreliance on big shots, which played into the hands of New Zealand’s disciplined spinners. Santner and Phillips were able to control the pace of the game and make quick inroads as the Indian batters repeatedly played expansive shots across the line or attempted to clear fielders against well-set field placements. Rishabh Pant and Kohli, for example, succumbed to ill-advised attempts at boundary shots, which exposed the tail far sooner than anticipated. This lack of patience not only affected India’s scoring but also led to soft dismissals that tilted the momentum firmly in favor of the visitors.

Also READ: Virat Kohli faces backlash for getting out on a full toss during 2nd Test between India and New Zealand

3. Inability to counter Mitchell Santner’s variations

Santner used his experience and skill to full effect, cleverly mixing up his deliveries, varying both pace and trajectory, which made it difficult for Indian batters to settle. Santner’s use of a straighter arm ball and a delivery with more bounce caught the batters off-guard, leading to dismissals like that of Ravichandran Ashwin and Shubman Gill. Indian batters seemed unable to read Santner’s subtle changes, which often deceived them in the air and off the pitch, exposing their lack of preparation to counter his unique spin style. This allowed Santner to capitalize on their uncertainty and claim his best figures in Test cricket. Santner’s career-best 7/53 reflected his mastery over varying speeds, lengths, and spin degrees to exploit India’s lack of response to prolonged pressure.

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