In a scathing analysis of India’s performance during the second Test against New Zealand in Pune, commentator Aakash Chopra offered his blunt assessment, declaring that the pitch was not to blame for India’s struggles. During a break on Day 2, Chopra shared insights with JioCinema, stressing that the Pune wicket was fair and manageable, criticising India’s poor shot selection and lack of defensive strategy.
This isn’t a Rank-Turner: Aakash Chopra
Standing near the pitch, Aakash Chopra asserted that the Pune surface didn’t show typical signs of a rank-turner, a term often used for pitches that deteriorate quickly and favour spinners. He noted in Hindi, “Hand on heart – this isn’t a rank-turner. The wicket looks almost the same from Day 1, and there isn’t much of a difference. Cracks and roughs haven’t appeared big enough on Day 2.”
Chopra highlighted that India’s struggles stemmed more from their own mistakes than from an unforgiving pitch, calling for more prudence and defensive play at certain times. “India need to defend more in some parts of the game. You can’t attack every time,” he advised.
Virat Kohli bizarre dismissal
The spotlight turned to Virat Kohli’s unusual dismissal, which left fans and experts equally perplexed. After Shubman Gill’s dismissal at 50, Kohli entered with great anticipation from the crowd, only to be bowled out for a single run. The sight of Kohli missing a low full toss from Mitchell Santner stunned the crowd, as he attempted an ill-advised shot that resulted in his stumps being shattered. Commentator Sanjay Manjrekar minced no words, saying on X, “Oh dear! Virat will know himself that he has just played the worst shot of his career to get out. Got to feel for him… because as always, he came out with solid & honest intent.”
Kohli’s recent trend of unusual dismissals continues, following missteps such as getting out on a waist-high full toss in the IPL and failing to review a clear edge in a recent match against Bangladesh. This marked his 21st dismissal to spin in Asia since 2021, with a concerning strike rate of just 28.85.
India batting collapse in Pune Test
India’s predicament deepened as they crumbled to 103/7, with Santner and Glenn Phillips wreaking havoc on India’s batting order. In a brutal 27-over stretch, India lost six wickets for just 53 runs, including dismissals of key players like Rishabh Pant and Sarfaraz Khan. Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who both scored 30, showed early promise before Gill was trapped leg-before and Jaiswal was caught behind.
The collapse saw Santner achieve career-best figures of 4/34, capitalising on India’s errors while the pitch held up fairly. Ravichandran Ashwin’s dismissal, where the ball kept uncharacteristically low, showcased the disciplined bowling attack that kept India under pressure.
New Zealand Poised to Make History
India’s batting debacle has given New Zealand a golden opportunity to make history. Already 1-0 up following an eight-wicket victory in Bengaluru, New Zealand could potentially become the first team in 12 years to defeat India in a Test series on home soil. With the World Test Championship final spot at stake, every match is crucial, and India’s consecutive collapses have put them in a precarious position.
As India grapples with another batting failure, Chopra’s commentary serves as a reminder that the problem may lie within their approach, not the pitch. For India, a renewed focus on technique and patience will be essential if they hope to avoid a historic series defeat on home soil.
