Jobaaj Stories
New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner led a devastating bowling performance against India on the second day of the second Test in Pune, leaving the hosts in a tough spot. Santner’s accuracy and skill on a pitch that started showing signs of wear and tear resulted in India’s strong batting lineup breaking, with the team reduced to 107/7 by Lunch.
Like this tweet if you want him to retire ASAP. #INDvsNZ #RohitSharma pic.twitter.com/GITQVKIa85
— PRITAM SINGH (@singhpritam682) October 25, 2024
In the morning session, openers Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal started positively for India, confidently finding boundaries and seemingly getting into a rhythm. However, New Zealand’s Santner quickly shifted the momentum by trapping Gill's leg-before-wicket. This early breakthrough triggered a surprising collapse in India’s batting order. Virat Kohli, known for his experience, missed a low full-toss delivery from Santner, leaving the Pune crowd in shock as his stumps were disturbed. Meanwhile, Jaiswal, who was settling in well, was caught at slip, marking another crucial wicket for New Zealand.
Dear Virat Kohli,
— 𝐑𝐡ö𝐝𝐢𝐮𝐦⁴⁵𓃵 (@Hittufied_) October 25, 2024
You have played test cricket for years now, but now you are finished in this format. it's time to give it to the deserving youngsters
like Abhimanyu , Nitish etc.please
Retire & Free that 1 spot .My respect will be doubled after your Retirement. #INDvsNZ https://t.co/kTHahWDE7c pic.twitter.com/B5VbP1Qjyk
Rishabh Pant showed his usual aggressive intent by hitting a boundary off his second ball. But his innings were cut short when Glenn Phillips delivered a low ball that deceived Pant, breaking his stumps and marking another loss for India. India’s batting lineup considered deep and reliable, struggled to withstand New Zealand’s disciplined bowling as Sarfaraz Khan was soon dismissed after an error a shot off Santner. R. Ashwin, one of India’s key lower-order players, didn’t last long either, as Santner continued his impressive spell.
Somebody please tell them it’s not T20. @sdjoshi55 @sprasadita @sun_usind https://t.co/9Uz31ahPTH
— Sharad Bishnoi 🇮🇳 (@SharadBishnoi05) October 25, 2024
With each ball creating a sense of nervousness, the Indian batsmen found it increasingly difficult to counter the turn and bounce the pitch was offering. By the time lunch was called, Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja remained at the crease, with the difficult task of rebuilding India’s innings. The two face a tough challenge ahead, as India trails New Zealand by 152 runs and will need a strong partnership to keep their hopes alive in this Test.
New Zealand’s ability to take advantage of the tricky pitch conditions has put them in a commanding position. With Santner leading the charge, New Zealand now stands on the brink of an unexpected victory if they continue to apply pressure. India’s response in the next session will be crucial to determining the direction of this Test match.
